The present study explores the relationship between power and love within the context of marriage. Love is studied as part of the interaction between spouses and associated with how spouses perceive each other's contributions. The point of departure for the present article is how variations in patterns combining male and female power are involved in shaping gender. The results indicate that love is associated with perceptions of the power structure in terms of equality and with the confirmation of gender identity. Skewed power relations inhibit love when subordinating to one's spouse implies a threat to one's self-worth, with the consequence that one's gender identity is not confirmed.
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