Case 10.1: Dual-Career Marriage

Please read the following case study and answer the questions to the best of your ability.

Jose and Maria met in graduate school. They married soon after graduation, lived in several places, and moved to Southern California when Jose accepted a position as a professor. Maria had taken jobs in nearby cities in each location, and her growing reputation as an architect finally gave her the opportunity to take "the job of a lifetime," and the family moved to Phoenix.

Maria was raised by parents who were both professionals. Even though her parents were busy with their careers, they made time for their children. Both parents shared in household and childcare tasks.

Jose's father was a successful business owner and his mother was a homemaker. His father was often too busy at work to spend time with him and his siblings, and his mother did most of the household and childcare tasks.

Maria is now an internationally known architect at a prestigious firm in Phoenix. Jose has tenure as a professor in Southern California. He flies to his job every week, leaving on Monday and returning on Friday.

When Maria was offered the job in Phoenix, Jose decided that if someone had to travel on a regular basis, it should be him. He believes it is "best for the kids to have their mother with them." Maria thinks this indicates that Jose doesn't recognize her achievements, the demands of her job, or the reality that she receives more than three times his pay. Maria expects more appreciation for a mutual decision that had been discussed thoroughly, but Jose thinks Maria overlooks the hardship of his traveling time. Maria seems to view Jose's position as relatively unimportant.

The first year in Phoenix was a happy one as Maria tried her best to take most of the responsibility of managing the household. During the second year, Jose began to argue about household tasks and spending time with the children on weekends. The small arguments seemed to get bigger, and Jose was often irritable. Both Jose and Maria felt they had reached a crucial stage in their marriage.

Question:

Conceptualize the role conflicts experienced by Jose and Maria.

Discuss how you could assist Jose and Maria.