The Power of the Past

J. Stauder, University of Massachusetts, CHOICE This smart and engaging sociological monograph analyzes the marital experiences of 32 cross-class couples ... Streib skillfully melds her observations with analysis, and though not heavy on theory, her work does provide interesting comments regarding other sociological views on class and marriage. This book is well written and readable, very suitable for undergraduate collections on social stratification and on marriage and family

Mary Evans, London School of Economics, Times Higher Education Streib says in the conclusion to this fascinating book, the power of the class of the past is very great indeed.

Does class matter for intimate ties? While so much sociology emphasizes the power of the present-in organizations, institutions, or networks-Streib looks at couples in which the spouses come from different class backgrounds and convincingly argues that it is their prior differences that play a key role in the different approaches they bring to their current relationships-even though couples often deny these effects. The Power of the Past is elegantly argued, cleverly designed, theoretically sophisticated and an entertaining read." -Naomi Gerstel, Distinguished University Professor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Jessi Streib presents an intelligent and creative analysis about the enduring way in which family-of-origin social class plays an irrepressible role in our adult lives. An imaginative and thought-provoking work." -Michael Rosenfeld, Stanford University

Magne Flemmen, Acta Sociologica a powerful and important contribution

Jessi Streib is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Duke University.

Preface ; Acknowledgements ; Part I: Introduction ; Chapter 1: Class and Marriage ; Part II: Entering into and Thinking about Different-Origin Marriages ; Chapter 2: Understandings of Class ; Chapter 3: Accounts of Crossing the Class Divide ; Part III: Class and the Domains of Married Life ; Chapter 4: Money ; Chapter 5: Work and Play ; Chapter 6: Housework and Time ; Chapter 7: Parenting ; Chapter 8: Feeling Rules ; Chapter 9: Conclusion ; Appendix A: Data and Methods ; Appendix B: Respondents' Demographic Characteristics and Meeting Places ; Appendix C: Interview Questionnaire ; Notes ; References ; Index