Gendered Power in Cultural Contexts: Part III. Couple Relationships in Iran

Sometimes therapists assume that gender equality is not relevant when working with couples from traditional cultures. This study of couples in Iran suggests more complexity. The authors identify a variety of views and practices regarding equality between men and women in relationships. Some aspired to traditional roles; others attempted to create mutually supportive relationships. Yet others were somewhere in-between. This study helps identify important dimensions that may be overlooked when we define couple equality only by American standards or understand it only through a Western lens. The study provides insight into the dilemmas couples face when ideals of equality intersect with societal structures that maintain gendered power and offers suggestions for addressing gender when working with couples with traditional cultural backgrounds.     

Gendered Power in Cultural Contexts: Part I. Immigrant Couples

Immigration is a world-wide phenomenon and practitioners are increasingly called on to work with issues related to it. The authors examine the experience of couples who are immigrants to the United States in regard to gender and power issues. Although the study limited participation to one religious group in order to hold that aspect of culture and gender attitudes constant, the experiences of these couples help to make visible the link between microlevel couple interaction and larger social processes. The results show how the couples manage a delicate balance between the push for gender change and avoiding too much conflict as male power is challenged.     

Women and Work—Rights,Realities, and Prospects

Women's place as a permanent part of the work force has been established, but the question now is whether women will continue to be the majority of low-skilled, low-paid workers or will share equally in opportunities in all fields of employment. The economic needs of most women workers are approximately the same as those of male workers. With 6.6 million women heads of families in 1973, nearly one out of three such families was poor according to Department of Labor criteria. Professional job counselors have a responsibility to support women who make nontraditional career choices. Counselors and others must also be aware of the rights and resources available to each woman in pursuing her career goals.