First and Second Marriages
This book is a pathbreaking longitudinal study that provides in-depth information about the lives of middle class second-marriage couples. Focusing on marital happiness, husband-wife equality, dual career problems, and children, the author followed 156 couples for three to four years, interviewing both spouses and analyzing the data according to the joint marital history of the couple. In addition to examining how children adapt to remarriage, this provocative study outlines early warning signs of impending marital trouble, discusses the chances for people over thirty and of those previously divorced to have happy marriages, and explores the common problems faced by remarried persons.
ELIZABETH BENSON-VON DER OHE is a family sociologist specializing in husband-wife relationships.