The Dual-Career Commuter Family:

In the last 15 years, we have observed women entering the labor force in increasing numbers. This change has forced some families to adopt a commuting relationship where the spouses main- tain separate residences in different cities and reunite regularly. Although more families are attempting this alternative, relatively little research has examined this family pattern. This study assesses role strain, division of labor, and decision making for dual-career commuter couples. Thirty-nine couples were surveyed. The results suggest a fairly traditional division of household labor, moderate levels of stress, and an incomplete decision-making process for this nontraditional lifestyle.