In this psychological study of women in heterosexual relationships, the author examines the social context of their experiences and emotional struggles. The text places case study material in the context of the power balance between women and men. It finds that there are contradictions between stereotypical gender roles and the maintenance of an equal partnership that can cause problems for both women and men. The text should be valuable to students studying psychology or gender and women's studies and to marriage guidance counsellors and psychotherapists.