Parents and professionals are increasingly working together to serve handicapped children; however this partnership is often marred by conflict. Most explanations for the conflict emphasize the psychological and attitudinal characteristics of individuals. Although this explanation has some validity, it precludes identification of the more basic disjuncture rooted in the interactional process. While partnership implies equal status, parent-professional interactions are clearly an example of a power-dependence relationship, i.e., professional dominance and parental subordination. To incorporate parents as true partners it is necessary to address this basic structural inequality. The formation of parent coalitions, allowing parental influence on professionals' career prospects, can restore the balance between professionals and parents and allow effective parent-professional collaboration. Any consideration of the complexities involved in the dynamics of parent-professional interaction must begin with a recognition of this basic relationship structure. (MCF)