Gender and spousal negotiation

Abstract

This chapter describes the understudied construct of spousal negotiation, and the ways in which gender and gender norms affect this dyadic process. Spousal negotiation is composed of partners in a uniquely intimate relationship with varied, intertwined pasts and futures. We review the family dynamics and sociology literature, as well as the ways in which the work family and gender literature in management have overlooked the family domain, presenting a decision-centered model of spousal negotiation, demonstrating how gender affects the construct at multiple levels. We propose a model inspired by a decision-tree approach to capture under what circumstances, how, and with what outcomes individuals in couples negotiate with their spouse or partner. We also identify the effects of gender norms at the societal and individual levels on the reasons partners negotiate, the tactics they use, and how they feel about their negotiated outcomes.