The increased labour force participation of women has brought about many changes in the modern American family. This text examines the role strain that has become an important social problem in the wake of the increase in the number of dual career (as opposed to simply dual earner) couples. Interviews provide the basis for the book"s identification of the two general patterns by which couples attempt to cope and thus to ameliorate the stress associated with the dual career relationship. The book"s purpose is to provide background information on the dual-career relationship to contribute toward social and individual adaption to this change in the economic sociology of advanced industrial societies. Knowledge of the flexible and rigid scheduling and crisis management patterns displayed by dual-career couples should assist in the further development of research, therapy and family policy programmes with regard to this pronounced social trend.