First published in 1997 in the context of dramatically rising divorce rates, this volume examines Non-Discordant Marital Separations (NMS), what holds families together in difficult times and family support mechanisms. Factors in tension with that unity, such as when couples have to live apart due to work-related travel, questions of identity, causes of extra-marital affairs and the 'greedy' world of work are considered. This unique book portraying how parents and children cope with employment will be of interest to academics and lay people who are concerned about the impact of work on family life.