From Publishers Weekly
The stereotype of the minister's wife as unassuming helpmate and selfless do-gooder is cracked apart in this report, based on the responses of more than 100 such wives to a nationwide survey constructed by freelance writer Greenbacker and Taylor, a minister and a minister's wife. While most agree that a minister's family seems to live in a fishbowl, some of the women enjoy their role and relish such traditional activities as organizing suppers and befriending congregants. Others pursue their own interests or careers regardless of parishioners' opinions, and often find friends outside the congregation. Ministers' wives have little or no privacy, yet are often very lonely--one reason, perhaps, that the divorce rate among clergy couples is nearly double the national average. Presenting the stories of six women's lives in narrative form, the authors cite other case histories in their analysis.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
The stereotypes are pervasive. Everyone has expectations of the woman married to a spiritual leader; the congregation, the minister, society, families, and the woman herself. Greenbacker, a journalist, and Taylor, a pastoral counselor, present the stories of the wives. Based on a survey and personal interviews, the stories tell of congregations, housing, children, salaries, moving, interfaith marriages, leaving the ministry, and infidelity. Readers' ideas about clergy spouses and the personal lives of clergy families will be confronted and transformed. A very good bibliography is included. This absorbing and compelling study will make a good discussion book. Recommended for public libraries, church/seminary libraries, and women's studies collections.
- Gail Wood, Montgomery Coll. Lib., Germantown, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Gail Wood, Montgomery Coll. Lib., Germantown, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
