Married Women and the Pursuit of Profit: An Exchange Theory Perspective

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that one overriding factor, the maximization of role profit, is associated with selecting both the fulltime homemaking role and dual roles when educated married women are free to choose. The research also explores whether profit is maximized differentially from one role to another through values associated with these roles. Profit is subjectively evaluated in terms of the two comparison levels of exchange theory: (1) CLalt (comparison level of alternative choices), and (2) CL (comparison level of fulfilled expectation). The hypothesis is advanced, and accepted, that when role choice is voluntary, married women choose roles which maximize their profit; differential values are found to be associated with these different roles. Data were derived from 178 faculty wives who returned mailed questionnaires, and from personal interviews with 36 women in four ideal type roles.