Iris Krasnow: A Brief Summary

In this article, the author Anne Kingston summarizes the literary works of Iris Krasnow, whose writings explore women’s experiences and expectations in marriage. Krasnow discusses ways women cope with marriage and how infidelity is used as a solution to marital distress. The author’s definition of infidelity explores the fringe of relationship boundaries by encompassing sexual encounters and relationships that fill the gaps in unmet spousal expectations. Lastly, it examines the lifestyle choices that are the key to lasting marriages. The overall emphasis of the article illustrates that the modern changes in women’s roles have not caught up culturally, especially in the way women are represented in marriage. Once married a woman’s value and identity is linked directly to her roles as wife, mother, and caregiver. The social expectation to fulfill these positions can cause women to lose their sense of self. …show more content…
A successful couple is an unbreakable unit whose identity revolves around each other. Yet, within real marriages, Krasnow discovered that marital longevity requires women to form strong separate identities apart from their husbands. Krasnow went on to imply that it is important to work hard in a marriage and to fulfill your partner's needs, but they can’t become your “entire world” because it is not only unhealthy but leads to unhappiness (Kingston, Anne, 2011). The next point of the articles showcases how unrealistic expectations cause marital hardships. The assumption that spouses are responsible for each other’s happiness is the most common relationship misconception. Realistically, each person is in charge of their own happiness which is the basis for a stable marriage. The pressure to give happiness and receive it causes excess strain if both partners do not first establish personal satisfaction and