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Abstract

The literature on interracial families has examined social stigmas attached to interracial relationships but has not thoroughly documented whether crossing racial boundaries increases the risk of divorce. Using the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (Cycle VI), we compare the likelihood of divorce for interracial couples to that of same-race couples. Comparisons across marriage cohorts reveal that, overall, interracial couples have higher rates of divorce, particularly for those marrying during the late-1980s. We also find race and gender variation. Compared to White/White couples, White female/Black male, and White female/Asian male marriages were more prone to divorce; meanwhile, those involving non-White females and White males and Hispanics and non-Hispanic persons had similar or lower risks of divorce.

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... The importance of shared role consensus is further supported by the sociological principle of homogamy which posits that similarity in tastes, values, and worldviews enhances marital intimacy (Burleson andDenton, 1992, Clarkwest, 2007). Couples sharing similar heritages, backgrounds, characteristics, and belief systems have fewer misunderstandings and conflicts than couples of differing cultural backgrounds (Bratter & King, 2008, Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). Thus, the background differences of multiracial couples may be a unique source of relationship conflict and, ultimately, an antecedent of separation and divorce (Pasley, Kerpelman, andGuilbert, 2001, Zhang &Van Hook, 2009). ...
... Marriages or partnerships between individuals of different races and ethnicities can carry individual, couple, and systemic inequalities that affect relationship quality, relationship stability, and the likelihood of divorce (Killian, 2003, Roy et al., 2020. Research is clear that multiracial couples experience higher rates of divorce/separation (Bratter & King, 2008, Hohmann-Marriott & Amato, 2008, Lehmiller and Agnew 2007, Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). However, research on relationship quality among mono-and multiracial couples is mixed (Brown et al., 2019, Toosi et al., 2012. ...
... Research Question 1: Are there differences in partners' relationship conflict, love, and satisfaction between monoracial and multiracial couples? We hypothesize that multiracial couples will report more conflict and less love and satisfaction compared to monoracial couples (Bratter & King, 2008, Kroeger & Williams, 2011, Zhang & Hook, 2009). Given the lack of studies looking at relationship quality within multiracial couples, exploratory analyses test for differences in relationship outcomes (love, satisfaction, and conflict) by couple type (i.e., Black-Latinx, White-Black, White-Latinx). ...
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Within the United States, approximately 17% of marriages occur between spouses of different races and/or ethnicities, while 1 out of every 7 children born identify as multiracial. Research suggests that, compared with monoracial couples, multiracial couples are at increased risk for negative relationship outcomes including divorce or separation. Although little research explores why these disparities exist, we surmise that poorer relational outcomes in multiracial families may be the result of heightened conflict caused by a greater difference in partners’ values and beliefs. In an understudied sample of expectant couples working in low-wage jobs, we examine differences in partner gender ideology and parenting beliefs as possible mechanisms underlying differential outcomes in relationship quality among multiracial families. This study examines whether the relationship between couple’s racial and ethnic composition (i.e., same versus different racial/ethnic backgrounds) and relationship quality (conflict, love, satisfaction) is mediated by differences in parenting beliefs and gender ideology. It is hypothesized that one mechanism that explains poorer outcomes (i.e., more conflict, less love, less satisfaction) is greater cross-racial differences in parenting beliefs and gender ideologies. Results indicated that multiracial families have lower love and relationship satisfaction and greater partner differences in gender ideology beliefs, however, gender ideology did not mediate the relationship between couple type and relationship quality. Overall, this study highlights the need for more longitudinal research and the exploration of other mechanisms underlying the different relationship outcomes for monoracial and multiracial families like social support, religiosity, and multicultural values.
... The homogamy hypothesis suggests that people tend to marry those who match with them on key status characteristics such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and education [22]. Hence, dissimilar partners that are not aligned on key status characteristics may experience more conflicts that can contribute to increased depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and lower relationship quality that destabilizes the relationship and may eventually lead to separation [23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. For example, Bratter and King (2008) examined the likelihood of divorce among interracial couples compared to same-race couples and found that interracial couples, particularly White female/Black male and White female/Asian male marriages, were more prone to divorce compared to White/White couples. ...
... Hence, dissimilar partners that are not aligned on key status characteristics may experience more conflicts that can contribute to increased depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and lower relationship quality that destabilizes the relationship and may eventually lead to separation [23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. For example, Bratter and King (2008) examined the likelihood of divorce among interracial couples compared to same-race couples and found that interracial couples, particularly White female/Black male and White female/Asian male marriages, were more prone to divorce compared to White/White couples. Similarly, Zhang and Van Hook (2009) found evidence that interracial marriages were less stable than endogamous marriages, with race or ethnicity showing strong associations with marital dissolution. ...
Article
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Discrimination can contribute to adverse mental health outcomes among individuals in romantic partnerships. However, research has yet to examine how differences in partner race/ethnicity can shape the link between gendered racial microaggressions, an intersectional form of discrimination, and depressive symptoms among Asian American women. Accordingly, we assessed the link between gendered racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms, and whether partner race/ethnicity (White vs. Asian) moderated the link. Using a sample of 156 Asian American women (Mage = 26.5, SD = 5.33), we conducted multiple regressions to assess the main effects between four gendered racial microaggression stress subscale factors and depressive symptoms. We then examined partner race/ethnicity as a moderator in these associations. All four gendered racial microaggression stress subscale factors of ascribed submissiveness, assumptions of universal appearance, Asian fetishism, and media invalidation significantly predicted greater depressive symptoms. However, only Asian fetishism experiences maintained a significant and positive association with depressive symptoms for Asian American women with White male partners. The association between Asian fetishism and depressive symptoms was no longer significant for Asian American women with Asian male partners. Results indicate that Asian fetishization may be a uniquely oppressive experience for Asian American women with White partners that can contribute to greater depressive symptoms. These findings demonstrate an increased need for the development of critical consciousness in individual and couples counseling sessions to help Asian American women and their romantic partners identify and mitigate the negative effects of gendered racial microaggressions.
... Despite a notable increase in the number of intercultural couples, research on how these couples develop their relationships is extremely limited. Prior literature on intercultural couples tends to emphasise the negative social and psychological consequences of interracial couples, such as high risks of marital dissatisfaction, failure, or divorce (e.g., Bratter & Eschbach, 2006;Bratter & King, 2008;Ryabov & Zhang, 2019;Zhang & van Hook, 2009). A few studies with a positive stance toward intercultural relationships have recently emerged (e.g., Kuramoto, 2018;Ruebelt et al., 2016). ...
... The literature has also focused on the stability of intercultural relationships. In the United States, intercultural relationships are more prone to end in divorce than relationships of couples from the same racial backgrounds (Bramlett & Mosher, 2002;Bratter & Eschbach, 2006;Bratter & King, 2008;Zhang & van Hook, 2009). Bramlett and Mosher (2002) reported that 41% of intercultural couples divorced after 10 years of marriage compared to 31% of couples from the same cultural backgrounds. ...
Article
This article reports on a qualitative grounded theory study of how intercultural couples develop and nurture their relationships. Interviews were conducted with 33 individuals living in New Zealand who were part of heterosexual intercultural relationships where one person was Korean and the other was non-Korean. The findings indicated that intercultural couples work together to develop and nurture their relationships across three phases: (a) building a solid foundation, (b) striving for better relationships, and (c) embracing the relationship, culminating in a grounded theory referred to as strengthening we-ness. We argue that counsellors should understand the importance of strengthening we-ness when working with intercultural couples.
... If marriages between majority and minority members are more difficult to form, they also seem to be more at risk of breakdown, since, in the general population, they are 40 % (Smith et al., 2012) or 50 % (Kreider, 2000) more likely to divorce than endogamous couples. Research has identified a gender gap whereby couples with the husband from a minority group are more vulnerable, with a 59 % higher risk of divorce compared with other couples (Bratter & King, 2008). In the Netherlands, Smith et al. (2012) interpreted the higher divorce propensity between immigrants and natives in terms of homogamy, since differences in national origin relate to different preferences, norms and values, leading to a less satisfying marriage. ...
... The gender asymmetry observed among international but not domestic adoptees reinforces the hypothesis of influencing factors other than adoption per se. Compared with internationally adopted women, the less favorable outcomes in both couple formation and divorce for international (but not domestic) adopted men, are comparable to those reported in previous research regarding mating in Korean international adoptees (Dijkstra et al., 2011) and divorce in the general population (Bratter & King, 2008). ...
... Decades of research has documented the unique challenges interracial couples face compared to monoracial couples. For instance, interracial couples face social network opposition and rejection at a far greater magnitude (Böhm & Shapley, 2013;Lehmiller & Agnew, 2006;Lehmiller & Konkel, 2012;Luke & Carrington, 2000;Miller et al., 2004;Root, 2001;Skinner & Rae, 2019), their families express greater fear of cultural dilution (Brooks & Ogolsky, 2017;Byrd & Garwick, 2004;Clark-Ibá ñez & Felmlee, 2004;Inman et al., 2011;Lee & Bean, 2012;Moran, 2003), interracial couples experience more macrocultural hostility (Bhugra & De Silva, 2000;Dalmage, 2000;Henriksen & Watts, 1999;Hibbler & Shinew, 2002;Killian, 2001;Klocker & Tindale, 2019;Leslie & Letiecq, 2004;McNamara et al., 1999;Vaquera & Kao, 2005), and heterosexual interracial couples may be at greater risk for dissolution due to external disapproval (Bratter & King, 2008;Brown et al., 2018;Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). Indeed, these societal challenges may partially explain research indicating that interracial couples are more likely to live in racially diverse communities (Holloway et al., 2005), expend more executive resources when navigating sensitive conversations consequential to relationship maintenance (Gaines & Agnew, 2003), are more likely to migrate than intraracial couples (Bohm & Shapley, 2013) and may develop/sharpen resilient characteristics, such as scouting intended destinations to ensure the current patrons/inhabitants don't pose a threat (Hibbler & Shinew, 2002;Lehmiller & Konkel, 2012). ...
... Thus, parents of bisexual individuals could express how much they accept their children's sexuality while simultaneously expressing their desire that they choose to marry someone of the opposite sex. 6 Even though research on the intergenerational transfer of sexuality indicates that the offspring of lesbians and gay men are more likely to be non-heterosexual than the offspring of heterosexuals, it is still the case that most offspring of lesbians and gay men do not share their parents' sexual orientation (Gartrell et al., 2019;Golombok & Tasker, 1996;Javaid, 1993;Joos & Broad, 2007;Schumm, 2010Schumm, , 2013Schumm, , 2016 partners (Qian & Lichter, 2007), straight women are far more likely than straight men to use race/ethnicity as a status cue (more for Black men than for Asian men) (Lewandowski & Jackson, 2001), White women married to Asian or Black men divorce at significantly higher rates (Bratter & King, 2008), and minority males report that they experience greater disapproval from the family members and friends of White female partners (Miller et al., 2004). In line with this is research finding that interracial interminority Asian-Hispanic and Asian-Black couples are less likely to divorce their Hispanic-White and Black-White counterparts (Brown et al., 2018). ...
Article
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Not my type is the usual invocation when rejecting potential lovers who don't align with the racial hierarchy of mating preferences. The largely unchallenged norm of interracial intimacy aversion, particularly how the desire for some racial groups and rejection of others reinforces existing racial inequities, is inconsistent with the blanket notion of greater interracial acceptance. Our investigation assessed the openness of monoracial and multiracial individuals to form interracial romantic relationships. We partially replicated an interracial mate preference known as the Multiracial Dividend Effect, finding that most monoracial groups equally preferred same-race lovers and interracially dating multiracials, and they preferred interracially dating someone multiracial over any monoracial group, whereas Multiracials were more open to interracially dating any monoracial group than monoracials were to interracially date each other. In addition, Hispanic-White and East Asian-White multiracials were more open to interracially dating White individuals than their respective monoracial in-group members, and East Asian-White multiracials were more open to interracially dating all monoracial minority groups than monoracial East Asian participants. Finally, half-White multiracials are more likely to be in partial-racial couples (e.g., former President of the United States Barack Obama is Black-White multiracial and the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, is Black) whereas interminority multiracials are more likely to be in 100% interracial/non-overlapping couples (e.g., Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris is interminority Tamil Indian and Black whereas the Second Gentleman of the United States, Doug Emhoff, is White).
... All these characteristics inform how individuals perceive and react to their experiences and influence how they interact with their partner (Crippen & Brew, 2007). Although several researchers theorize that these dissimilarities result in greater conflict for individuals in MER relationships (Bratter & King, 2008, Crippen & Brew, 2013, Kang Fu & Wolfinger, 2011, few studies investigate whether relationship conflict is higher in MER couples compared to MoER couples. More often researchers focus on outcomes like personal distress and mental health. ...
... To our knowledge, this is among a handful of investigations to explore coparenting conflict during the transition to parenthood for MER families (other examples are included in this special issue). Confirming findings from previous qualitative studies on multiethnoracial (MER) families (Bratter & King, 2008, Crippen & Brew, 2013Kang Fu & Wolfinger, 2011), mothers in MER dyads reported more coparenting conflict than their MoER counterparts, both right after the birth and one-year postpartum. In contrast, fathers' coparenting conflict did not differ by the ethnoracial composition of the dyad. ...
Article
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The percent of families with parents from different racial or ethnic backgrounds has risen exponentially in the last decades. Approximately 14% of children were born into multiethnoracial (MER) families in the United States in 2015, more than double the rate from 1980. Studies show that MER couples are more likely to separate or divorce than their monoethnoracial (MoER) counterparts. With the growing rates of MER couples, there has been increased interest and research addressing the unique benefits and challenges of being in a MER relationship. It is likely that the challenges that arise in MER families peak across the transition to parenthood when couples must negotiate how to merge their respective values, behaviors, and beliefs into a new family unit. Our study examines how the ethnoracial composition of couples (i.e., same versus different racial/ethnic backgrounds) predicts levels and increases in coparental conflict across early parenthood; and, in addition, the role of familial support as both a mediator and moderator of this relationship. We found that mothers in MER dyads report more coparenting conflict and lower familial support than their MoER counterparts across early parenthood. Additionally, fathers in MER dyads had marginally lower family support than their MoER counterparts predicting greater coparenting conflict across early parenthood. Identifying the processes linking couples’ ethnoracial composition to the quality of family relationships could help inform parent interventions to better support MER parents across the transition to parenthood.
... Regrettably, interracial marriages are deliberately dissuaded and seen as taboo in the eyes of the public in Malaysia due to having different beliefs, cultures, and even religions, which leads to societal and filial tension (Dorall, 2019;Reddy, 2020). Bratter and King (2008) reported an elevation in the proportion of interracial couples divorcing by the 10th year of marriage when compared to single-raced couples. Based on the data from 2002 ...
... ISSN no: 1823-8521 NSFG, Cycle VI, from the year 1980 to 2000 and onwards, the average divorce rate for interracial couples was about 31.2%, whereas for single-raced couples it was approximately 23.6% (Bratter & King, 2008). ...
Article
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Interracial marriages are on the rise, leading to an increase in the number of multiracial individuals. However, these marriages are often seen as taboo in Malaysia due to the obstacles that may arise specifically from interracial marriages. The obstacles towards child-rearing practices that Muslim converts have from interracial marriages were centred in this study. One of the reasons stems from differences in racial and cultural backgrounds between interracial married couples that may have unintended effects on a child’s development. The aim of this study was to understand how Muslim converts in Malaysia have overcome the challenges of interracial marriages in raising their children. A basic qualitative design utilising semi-structured interviews, that consisted of open-ended questions was utilised, whereby a total of seven participants were recruited. Analysis of this study was done using thematic analysis. Results manifested seven themes: (1) Sincerity to Practise, (2) Cultural Integration of Celebrations, (3) Hybrid Discipline, (4) My Child, My Responsibility, (5) Enculturation, (6) Questionable Faith versus Respect for Harmony, and (7) Incongruence Between Practise and Action that discerned concordance in facilitating child-rearing in Malaysia. These themes are explored and further examined in the study. This study can contribute to the literature in the Malaysian and Asian context on how Muslim converts from interracial marriages raise their children as research conducted in this area is limited. The findings may aid relevant mental health practitioners, such as family or marriage counsellors and psychologists to produce appropriate therapeutic interventions for Muslim converts who may face challenges regarding child-rearing.
... Indeed, interracial relationships between White and Black or non-White Hispanic partners in the United States are more likely to end than are same race relationships (Bratter & King, 2008;Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). However, paradoxically, other studies have found that after experiencing discrimination, White partners report greater closeness and commitment to their Black or non-White Hispanic partners (Doyle & Molix, 2014). ...
... Not surprisingly, then, partners in interracial relationships often report worse relationship quality due to the added stress from discrimination; they report being less satisfied and committed to their relationship in general and report lower trust and lower sexual communication specifically after experiencing discrimination (Lehmiller & Agnew, 2006;Rosenthal & Starks, 2015). As a consequence, interracial couples are more likely to breakup compared to same-race couples (Bratter & King, 2008;Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). However, paradoxically, some partners in interracial relationships report feeling increased closeness and commitment after experiencing discrimination, viewing disagreement with a goal-oriented approach, and partners in longer relationships actually report better relationship quality after experiencing stigma (Doyle & Molix, 2014;Frost, 2011;Henderson, 2000;Maisel & Fingerhut, 2011). ...
Article
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Interracial relationships can satisfy our human need for interpersonal bonds, but face adversity due to racial discrimination. This adversity is not parallel for the involved partners, however, in ways that have implications for relationship outcomes. As such, in the current research, we considered that discrimination may provide an avenue for positive self-expansion for a White partner, insofar as they use it to learn more about their partner’s worldview and experience. This is important, as facing racial discrimination could be a reason White partners think about ending their relationship. Thus, identifying processes that mitigate adversity for the White partner could bolster relationship outcomes for both partners and enhance persistence in interracial relationships. Specifically, we tested whether White partners engaging in perspective taking could buffer against the negativity of discrimination. In Study 1 (N = 260), we found that perspective taking was associated with feeling the relationship expanded one’s worldview for White partners in interracial relationships (but not for Black or non-White Hispanic partners). In Studies 2–4 (N = 531), we found that partners who engaged in perspective taking when discrimination was salient experienced greater positive self-expansion, which in turn led to greater reports of relationship quality. Collectively, these results suggest that perspective taking provides one process by which interracial relationships can be fortified against the adversity of racial discrimination.
... Stigmatization in the society toward IBW couples and isolation from family may cause tension and conflict among partners, which might result in less happiness in relationships (Baptist et al., 2019). Existing literature on marital satisfaction of interracial couples presents mixed results; in general, it has been claimed that interracial couples face more stress (Zhang & Van Hook, 2009), experience lower marital satisfaction (Baptist et al., 2019;Genc & Baptist, 2020), and are more likely to divorce or separate (Bratter & King, 2008;Tuttle & Davis, 2015). ...
... These attitudes toward IBW couples cause greater psychological distress and decrease relationship satisfaction (Roy et al., 2020;Yu & Zhang, 2017). As a result of experiencing racism or discrimination stress, partners' stress can spill over to each other, which may lead to marital strains, dissolution, or divorce (Bratter & King, 2008;Clavél et al., 2017). Therefore, we hypothesize that experiencing discrimination due to race and being in an IBW relationship will be negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. ...
Article
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The current study set out to examine the influence of religiosity on the relationship between interracial Black-White (IBW) couples’ perceived discrimination and marital satisfaction. Data from 178 Black-White couples were used to test a common fate moderation model. Results revealed a negative association between partners’ perceived discrimination and marital satisfaction. Also, White partners’ religiosity was found to moderate the effects of discrimination on satisfaction, whereby a higher level of religiosity contributed to higher satisfaction when couples experienced discrimination. Results suggested that religiosity may be an important resource to help Black-White couples manage discrimination stress.
... Our model does not explain three observed characteristics of interracial marriages. First, it does not explain why interracial marriages are more likely to end up in divorce (Bratter and King, 2008;Zhang and Van Hook, 2009). Second, it does not explain why some intraracial marriages from a particular race last longer than intraracial marriages from another race (e.g. ...
Preprint
We used to marry people to whom we were somehow connected. Since we were more connected to people similar to us, we were also likely to marry someone from our own race. However, online dating has changed this pattern; people who meet online tend to be complete strangers. We investigate the effects of those previously absent ties on the diversity of modern societies. We find that social integration occurs rapidly when a society benefits from new connections. Our analysis of state-level data on interracial marriage and broadband adoption (proxy for online dating) suggests that this integration process is significant and ongoing.
... Dicho esto, dentro de las uniones mixtas existe el intercambio de vivencias y valores culturales que puede generar una articulación armoniosa de la diferencia, o convertirse en fuente de conflicto si las discursividades identitarias del contexto impulsan y fortalecen prejuicios sobre estos emparejamientos. A pesar de posibles diálogos y rupturas de límites al interior de las parejas y sus familias, la estructura contextual en términos del statu quo identitario y cultural puede debilitar estas unidades familiares (Bratter y King 2008;Milewski y Kulu 2014;Moscato et al. 2014). ...
Article
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Resumen La conformación de uniones mixtas entre personas inmigrantes y nativas se ha considerado un elemento central en el proceso de integración social, sobre todo cuando intervienen atributos como la nacionalidad y la identidad étnica. Aunque este tema ha sido ampliamente investigado en otros contextos, ha recibido menos atención en México. Este artículo busca analizar las dimensiones relacionadas con el proyecto migratorio, los discursos sobre la diferencia en México y el efecto del mestizaje sobre la formación de uniones y dinámicas de socialización de las personas. A partir de un acercamiento cualitativo que comprende el análisis de treinta y dos relatos de vida de inmigrantes latinoamericanos residentes en México, se encontró que este tipo de arreglos sociales no se traducen de manera directa en el debilitamiento de fronteras sociales, sino que pueden constituirse, en algunos casos, en elementos de reforzamiento de las barreras que dificultan la integración en distintas esferas de reproducción social.
... Most research suggests that interracial couples are more likely to divorce beyond the influence of the main effects of race (Bratter & King, 2008;Fu, 2000;Kreider, 2000;Wang et al., 2006), even when controlling for covariates like education or religion. This could be caused by many different things: the inherent incompatibility of the races, social pressure, or a selection effect where the same psychological characteristics that make getting into an interracial relationship more likely also increase the likelihood of getting divorced. ...
Article
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Research suggests that mixed-race adolescents are more likely than monoracial adolescents to use drugs or engage in violent behavior, and that interracial relationships contain more conflict than monoracial ones. However, it is not clear whether these outcomes are caused by racial conflict and identity or by self-selection. To determine this, we used data from the NLSY97 and Add Health datasets to explore what characteristics predict whether an individual is engaged in an interracial relationship. Our investigation suggests that assortative mating occurs between races, where individuals who date individuals of other races tend to be more similar to them. The standardized difference in intelligence between those interracially mated and those who didn’t varied by race (White d = -0.22, p < .001; Black d = 0.31, p < .001; Hispanic d = 0.73, p < .001). Also, there is a difference in height between Hispanics who interracially dated and those who didn’t (mean d = 0.29, p < .001). Interracial daters tended to engage in a broader range of risk-taking behaviors (White d = 0.18, p < .01; Black d = 0.42, p < .01; Hispanic d = 0.53, p < .001) regardless of their race. The available evidence supports that the behavior of mixed-race adolescents is a product of genetic transmission, and that some of the increased divorce and inter-partner violence observed within interracial relationships may be a product of self-selection instead of racial conflict or social pressure.
... A larger share of foreigners in the population would be associated with a greater propensity to separate. The growth in the share of the foreign population can lead to an increase in interracial marriages, favoring a multicultural society but also higher marital separation rates due to greater conflicts within interracial married couples compared with endogamous ones (Kreider, 2000;Bratter and King, 2008;Milewski and Kulu, 2014) [18]. ...
Article
Purpose The paper aims to examine the role played by property tax in influencing strategic decisions regarding marital separation and divorce in Italian municipalities. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis is conducted on a sample of 6,458 Italian municipalities by applying the ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variables (IVs) approaches. Findings The estimation results show a small increase in marital separations and divorces as the difference between the municipal secondary and primary home tax rate increases. Specifically, an increase of 1‰ in the property tax rate differentials is accompanied by an increase of six marital separations and four divorces per 1,000 inhabitants. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the analysis is that the strategic behavior of the married couple is inferred from econometric analysis with data aggregated at the municipal level. To investigate this phenomenon more precisely, it would be useful to have individual data collected by surveys on strategic divorce decisions due to property tax incentives. Originality/value This study contributes to the scant existing literature on the tax incentives for strategic divorce. It is the first study to empirically investigate the effects of property tax on separation and divorce decisions by investigating the Italian context. In Italy, a property tax was introduced in 1993, encouraging “false” divorces by spouses with a second home since the tax on the secondary home was set at a rate higher than that on the primary residence. Moreover, there were no tax deductions and no additional tax breaks on the secondary home, while they were established on the primary one. Higher property taxes and the absence of tax breaks on the secondary home may have encouraged a strategic behavior whereby many married couples filed for false separation and divorce in order to recover part of property tax rebates.
... One pattern in the literature indicates that romantic relationship outcomes are poorer for intercultural couples 1 : romantic relationship quality in intercultural couples is lower (Hohmann-Marriott & Amato, 2008) and the break-up or divorce rate in nationally representative samples of intercultural couples is higher (Bramlett & Mosher, 2002;Zhang & Van Hook, 2009) when compared to intracultural couples. For example, being in an intercultural relationship has also been found to be predictive of a break-up one year later in a mid-Atlantic U.S. college student sample (Reiter & Gee, 2008) and divorce 10 years later in a nationally representative sample (Bratter & King, 2008). Yet, a second pattern indicates that romantic relationship outcomes are better for intercultural couples. ...
Article
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Research comparing the romantic relationship quality of individuals in intercultural and intracultural relationships has yielded inconsistent findings. The current study examined whether accommodation, the process of responding constructively to relationship problems, would reveal new insight on this topic. Undergraduate students (N = 343) reported on whether they were in an intercultural or intracultural romantic relationship and completed surveys of accommodation, romantic relationship quality, and demographic characteristics. Analyses revealed that individuals in intercultural romantic relationships reported higher romantic relationship commitment and satisfaction than individuals in intracultural romantic relationships. The association of accommodation with romantic relationship commitment was also found to be weaker in the intercultural group than the intracultural group after accounting for age and gender, but not after accounting for ethnicity or relationship length. Overall, results suggest that accommodation may be less relevant for individuals in intercultural romantic relationships, and that ethnicity and relationship length are important factors for understanding the role of accommodation within intercultural romantic relationships. Our findings underscore the importance of examining the possibility of distinct psychological processes in intercultural couples, who comprise an increasingly common form of close relationship.
... Despite the claims of the theoretical paradigm, it can be shown from literary evidence that status-caste exchange is not as strong as it appears to be. The tendency of simple educational homogamy (the tendency for mates to have similar educational backgrounds) is the prevailing educational marriage pattern, regardless of the race of either spouse as developed by Bratter and King [64] in "But will it last?": Marital instability among interracial and samerace couples." ...
Article
Millions of single adults use dating websites like eHarmony, Anastasiadate.com, Match.com, Chemistry.com and technologies like the mobile dating app Tinder to seek out online partners. Some daters succeed, but most of them fail in the end and become dissatisfied. The online technology presents with many advantages such as easy access to multitudes of potential dates; however, the problematic is that, as a metanarrative of dating power, ICTs do not function in a virtual vacuum but are constructed by the social experience of people in love and sexuality, for example, in African indigenous and modern societies ǎ la longue durée. The online dating industry often disembeds this social experience from its services and this constitutes, paradoxically, its major flaw. Consequently, the industry is designed narrowly to rationalize romanticism as a scientific algorithm that follows particular rules and regulations instead of proposing the complex character of knowledge about dating to prospective daters and this constitutes a serious menace to its long term sustainability. These technodigital flaws have to do with the paradox of virtual rationalism, lack of commitment in online daters, who do not meet offline; shallowness and fatigue in the mindset of online singles, scamming, lies telling, identity theft and stalking, mismatching from algorithms between singles and so on. Drawing critical insights from the structuralist positionality of George Homans’ social exchange theory and from critiques of romance stories, the paper suggests that, in this age of the knowledge economy, e-dating should become a productive service that minimizes the artificiality of economic rationalism embedded in digital contacts, profile browsing, algorithmic matching, the reading of love by apps and tread lightly on all forms of economic determinism. e-Dating should prioritize tacit knowledge from critical literature narratives that can enable us to suggest new humanistic functionalities for skype, ch
... There are some cross-cultural relationships that are not successful. A study conducted by Bratter & King (2008), concluded that the black and white couples were more likely to get divorced after ten years of marriage. There are many factors that can lead to divorce in a cross-cultural relationship. ...
Article
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Cross-cultural intimate relationships can bring about positives changes to society as a whole. Although many cross-cultural couples face a plectrum of challenges, many of them overcome those challenges. Differing of opinions, morals, and values can strain relationships and bonds. There are many stereotypes associated with different religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Cross-cultural relationships go against the status quo by introducing new ideas and perspectives to different demographics. Children who are products of cross-cultural matches introduce new identities to society, creating more diversity.
... Р яд работ, направленных на выявление демографических и экономических предпосылок разводов, позволяет выявить такие факторы: вступление в брак в подростковом возрасте, бедность, безработица, низкий уровень образования, наличие детей от предыдущих отношений, воспитание в неполной семье [7,8,9,10] . К изучению брачного поведения часто подходят с точки зрения важности брака для воспроизводства населения, так как брак считается доминирующей структурой для комфортного рождения и воспитания детей [11] . ...
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Marital behavior is an indicator of social, economic and cultural changes taking place in society. In the minds of many, the North Caucasus remains a stronghold of a traditional family with a high birth rate and rare divorces, but in the XXI century, the regions of the North Caucasus are subject to the same trends as Russia as a whole. The years of the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on many aspects of life, including family and marriage relations. In 2020, the Russian government introduced various measures to support families with children aimed at improving the well-being of families, but they led to the opposite results. The purpose of this study is to study the reasons for the growth of divorces in North Ossetia, where in 2021 the divorce rate equaled the marriage rate. Statistical indicators of marital behavior were studied, as well as a content analysis of social networks was conducted to determine the reasons for the increase in divorces according to users, the study showed that the increase in the number of divorces coincides with changes in the rules for obtaining various benefits for low-income families. Since April 2021, the zero income rule has been applied to receive benefits, only those families who have any income during the billing period or have a valid reason for its absence have the right to payments. To circumvent this rule, many people use a fictitious divorce, which allows them to claim financial assistance from the state. Analysis of other economic indicators suggests that the level of financial well-being of the population of North Ossetia is declining, which forces them to rely on social assistance, and not on their own income. The stability of marriages directly depends on the financial well-being of the family.
... Interestingly, in both Studies 1 and 2 we found that through cultural self-expansion, cultural sharing was associated with more conflict in the relationship, but only for White partners. Despite the many documented benefits of multicultural experiences, being introduced to another culture's worldviews can be a threatening experience (Bratter & King, 2008;Tadmor et al., 2009). It may be a natural reaction for monoculturals, particularly those from Western cultures, to see these cultures as conflicting and competing rather than feeling that the two can simultaneously exist without needing there to be a victor (Tadmor et al., 2009). ...
Article
Intercultural romantic relationships are increasingly common and although the obstacles such couples face are well documented, the factors that facilitate their success are less studied. Although cultural differences may present challenges, they also offer opportunities for self-expansion—personal growth via new perspectives, knowledge, and identities. In three studies using cross-sectional, dyadic, longitudinal, and experimental methods ( N Total = 896), self-expansion was associated with relationship quality and identity outcomes (i.e., identity integration, cultural self-awareness). Self-expanding through a partner’s culture (i.e., cultural self-expansion) was uniquely related to identity outcomes, beyond self-expanding more generally ( relational self-expansion). Furthermore, actively sharing cultures and discussing their differences were linked to greater cultural and relational self-expansion, which in turn differentially predicted partners’ relationship quality and cultural identities. These studies provide a first look at the role of self-expansion in intercultural relationships, demonstrating that the way couples negotiate their cultures is linked to both relational and personal outcomes.
... We know that there are higher rates of dissolution for interracial couples (Bratter and King, 2008), and the results from this study suggest that there are classes of interracial relationship partners that are more susceptible to poorer relationship outcomes. Collectively, multiculturalist types may be especially resilient to stigma. ...
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The current study explored the associations between relationship stigma, Racial-ethnic Worldview (REW; a construct developed as a comprehensive assessment of individual's perceptions of race and ethnicity), and relationship quality among those in interracial relationships (i. e., participants indicated their race was different than the race of their partner). One type of REW (Color-blind Achieved) was especially susceptible to the negative consequences of stigma from family members. Other significant differences in relationship quality and relationship stigma were found based on REW. Most notable is that individuals who acknowledge institutional racism, have positive intergroup attitudes, and a positive ethnic identity reported better relationship quality than those who denied institutional racism and/or had less positive attitudes toward their own ethnic group. These results demonstrate the utility of REW in contextualizing the experiences of individuals in interracial relationships as it relates to perceived stigma and relationship quality. The study offers a critical account of how individuals understanding of the racial and ethnic social context shapes relationship outcomes for those in interracial relationships in the United States.
... By way of further background, research from the first quantitative tradition tends to focus on how normatively, societies often depict inter-ethnic marriages in negative terms as being inappropriate (Duck and VanderVoort, 2002), prohibited (Roncarati et al., 2009), unstable (Bratter and King, 2008), problematic (Troy et al., 2016), and overly constraining (Choi and Tienda, 2017). The main findings of the research in this tradition are that inter-ethnic marriage is characterized by lower marital satisfaction compared to same-ethnicity couples because of such factors as lower values similarity (Hohmann-Marriott and Amato, 2008), lack of social support (Bell and Hastings, 2015), and higher rates of marital distress (Bratter and Eschbach, 2006). ...
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In the context of historical and ongoing tensions between different ethnic groups, inter-ethnic marriages are increasingly prevalent in Indonesia today. This article explores the social materiality of memory objects (money and related household items) in the negotiation of shared lifeworlds within two inter-ethnic marriages between Javanese and Chinese Indonesians. The research is based on detailed fieldwork conducted face-to-face in East Java over a 10 week period, and supported with further online interactions with participating couples. We demonstrate how a focus on money and related material practices can offer new understandings of how couples respond agentively to inter-cultural tensions in their marriages and strive towards harmony. In doing so we demonstrate how values of cooperation and prudence are articulated through things and related practices, and in the process are harnessed to support couples efforts to build mutually supportive lives together. In the process we document how objects, including money, an onion peeling machine and food emerge in these relationships as both practical things and objects of care, cooperation and affection. This research demonstrates that whilst still of crucial importance, a focus on inter-cultural tensions and the conflicts these can cause can be complimented with a focus on couple's agentive efforts to manage and contain such tensions as they build culturally hybrid lives together.
... In fact, one's relational ethics is also influenced by a host of economic, structural, cultural, gender and racial factors (Crissey, 2005). Countless studies have shown that couples are generally more satisfied with their marriages when their belief systems are homogamous (Ellison, Burdett, & Wilcox), and they hold similar education and socioeconomic resources (Bratter & King, 2008). When differences are present, couples expectations around fairness and balance could be drastically different from their partners. ...
Article
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Couples experiencing pregnancy and the transition to parent-hood face many challenges. One of the most di cult challenges is attempting to remain balanced in their relationship. In order to discover how couples maintain balance, researchers conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data using a contextual family therapy lens to investigate how couples keep their relationship ledger balanced during pregnancy. Results indicate that four key components help couples maintain balance in the relationship, namely: 1) Give and take, 2) Relational ethics, 3) Destructive and Constructive Entitlement, and 4) Exoneration. Couples who give attention to these four aspects were more balanced in their relationship and reported navigating the transition to parenthood and pregnancy more e ectively. Results from this study provide a framework for therapists to guide couples in discussing important topics that should be discussed throughout the transition to parenthood. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Couples in interracial relationships have the added challenges of negotiating cultural differences within their relationship and coping with prejudice from not only the larger community but also within their own extended family (Reiter & Gee, 2008). This conflict can put interracial couples at greater risk of relationship dissolution (Bratter & King, 2008). An increase in exposure to discrimination is associated with an increase in depressive symptoms among wives, leading to less supportive marital interactions (Murry et al., 2001). ...
Article
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Multiracial families are diverse and their experiences with racism and discrimination vary depending on their social position. The intersections of race, class, and gender affect multiracial families in a variety of ways. Similar to monoracial minority families, multiracial families experience racism and discrimination from society, however, due to their mixed cultural heritage their experiences are unique and multilayered. Further, unlike any other family, multiracial families also can experience racism and discrimination from within their family. In this paper, we discuss the inherent diversity within multiracial families and the unique experiences of racism and discrimination they encounter. We then introduce and explicate, what we term, the dual realities experienced by individuals in multiracial families.
... From a worldwide lens, couples from interracial marriages have greater possibilities in developing stress compared to same-raced couples (Frame, 2003). There also exists marital instability among interracial couples, leading to higher divorce rates (Bratter & King, 2008). Surprisingly in Malaysia, controversy in family conflicts exists between non-Muslim and Muslim partners. ...
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Interracial marriages in Malaysia have been increasing due to increased interaction between people of different religions and ethnicities in Malaysia. Nevertheless, interracial marriages are generally frowned upon and those who choose to do so may experience resistance from their own families as well as from the public. This study was conducted to understand the conversion process of Muslim converts in Malaysia and how they overcame the challenges of interracial marriages. A semi-structured qualitative interview was used to elicit the issues in this study. A total of seven (7) informants were recruited across Peninsular Malaysia through the purposive sampling method by snowball strategy. Interviews with informants were conducted either face-to-face or through online platforms. Findings from this study include ten themes consisting of experiences of the informants before, during, and after their conversion process to Islam. The themes derived from this study were similar yet different and have their uniqueness from past works of literature. Each stage of the process was crucial for the subsequent themes of the next stage to be achieved. The conclusion drawn from this study is that converts generally still face prejudice and biases from society despite successfully converting and becoming legalised Muslims. Nevertheless, most of the converts have developed high tolerance levels and adaptive methods on their journey. This study aims to provide a deeper insight to the public, providing clear guidance to new Muslim converts in Malaysia on the various stages of the conversion process, the challenges involved and how some couples manage interracial marriages.
... By way of further background, research from the first quantitative tradition tends to focus on how normatively, societies often depict inter-ethnic marriages in negative terms as being inappropriate (Duck and VanderVoort, 2002), prohibited (Roncarati et al., 2009), unstable (Bratter and King, 2008), problematic (Troy et al., 2016), and overly constraining (Choi and Tienda, 2017). The main findings of the research in this tradition are that inter-ethnic marriage is characterized by lower marital satisfaction compared to same-ethnicity couples because of such factors as lower values similarity (Hohmann-Marriott and Amato, 2008), lack of social support (Bell and Hastings, 2015), and higher rates of marital distress (Bratter and Eschbach, 2006). ...
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Despite histories of considerable conflict between particular ethnic groups in Indonesia, inter-ethnic marriages are increasingly commonplace. This article explores how Javanese and Chinese couples conduct their everyday lives together and manage various inter-cultural tensions within and across various locales, and with reference to particular material objects and adapted cultural practices. We draw on fieldwork conducted over a 10-week period with four inter-ethnic married couples in the city of Nganjuk in East Java, which was subsequently extended through further online interactions. To interpret the resulting qualitative materials, we draw insights from the social psychology of place, urban mobilities, the conduct of everyday life, social practice theory and cultural hybridity. We begin with a tour of the key sites (e.g., domestic dwellings, schools, workplaces, markets, churches, streets) that participants weave together through various socio-cultural practices into their own relation-scape. We then explore their mobile practices that span particular places and the ways in which couples manage the inter-cultural tensions that can emerge from broader familial relations and competing cultural expectations. This article demonstrates the utility of a spatial-orientated analysis for psychological research into inter-ethnic marriage in general, and in particular how inter-cultural tensions can be managed through mundane and material spatial practices.
... Whether the wife or the husband in a DISC couple has a foreign background may thus make a difference in Western societies, and maybe more generally. Studies on relationship satisfaction and stability in DISC couples support this view, suggesting that when a man rather than a woman is the foreign spouse, DISC relationships are less satisfied (Dribe & Lundh, 2012) and less stable (Bratter & King, 2008;Neyrand & M'sili, 1998;Zhang & Van Hook, 2009). ...
Article
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Previous research has suggested that couples with different sociocultural backgrounds (DISC) are less stable and less satisfied than culturally homogeneous couples, putatively because of the stressors these couples face, for example, discrimination. However, a review of the literature suggests that findings across studies are somewhat mixed, and correlates of different sociodemographic variables are potentially important. We identified and reviewed 20 studies that examined relationship satisfaction in couples with different and homogeneous sociocultural backgrounds so that comparisons between the two groups were possible and effect sizes could be computed. Overall, our meta‐analysis found no evidence for DISC couples being less satisfied than culturally homogeneous couples, challenging this assumption. Only a few effect sizes, with large confidence intervals, suggested lower relationship satisfaction in DISC couples than in culturally homogenous couples, and these differences may be explained by demographic correlates. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for relationship researchers conducting research on DISC couples.
... unions is limited, most research has focused on the potential that they may experience heightened levels of stress or challenges in their relationship. For example, interethnic couples are thought to experience relatively more relationship conflicts, less relationship satisfaction, and higher rates of divorce compared to non-interethnic couples (Bratter & King, 2008;Hohmann-Marriott & Amato, 2008). In one theoretical review of interethnic romantic relationships, Crippen and Brew (2007) also posited that the greater risk of relationship conflicts experienced by interethnic parents is likely due to ethnicity-related cultural differences in schemas about parenting, which would greatly increase interparental stress. ...
Article
There has been growing interest over the years in examining interethnic unions to explore their unique parenting configurations and associated mixed-ethnicity children’s outcomes. One aspect that determines parenting is how parents perceive and experience their parenting role in relation to one another, to their children, and to society at large. The present review aimed to narratively and systematically synthesize the existing literature on the strengths and challenges that parents experience in interethnic unions about themselves, their partners or co-parents, or their mixed-ethnicity children. A total of 49 studies were identified through a systematic search. Included studies were dissertations and published journal articles that contained qualitative and quantitative findings. Five themes were identified about the interethnic parenting experience: (1) strengths in parenting mixed-ethnicity children, (2) challenges in interethnic parenting, including the specific challenge of negotiating cultural differences between parents, (3) strategies to overcome cultural differences, (4) self-reflections about parents’ own ethnocultural backgrounds, and (5) similarities in parenting between interethnic and non-interethnic parents. A Model of Interethnic Parenting Experiences summarizing the identified themes is outlined. The review findings are discussed with reference to gaps in the literature and potential moderators of the known parameters regarding interethnic parenting. Recommendations for future research are made that may further elucidate the nuanced experience of interethnic parenting.
... Many compromises must be struck within culturally diverse marriages to reduce conflicts and achieve higher levels of satisfaction (Bhatoo & Bhowon, 2018;Jawad & Elmali-Karakaya, 2020). Further evidence suggests heterogamous marriages are more likely to dissolve than homogamous ones (e.g., Bratter & King, 2008;Wright et al., 2017). One study respondent described the aim to minimize conflict thusly: "I don't sweat the little things. . . ...
Article
This paper offers an integrated theoretical framework to explain interpersonal, moralistic conflict that combines the logic of the "pure sociology" approach with a social psychological framework that highlights the importance of the human capacity for language, evaluation, and justification. While violations of normative expectations are the root causes of moralistic conflict, the paper argues that one can only determine the emergence of such conflict by assessing the nature of the behavior in question in relation to the social locations of the participants in combination with the justifications invoked. The central question that the theory addresses can be distilled as follows: What explains the emergence of interpersonal, moralistic conflict? The paper specifies three core assumptions, followed by a delineation of a series of propositions designed to explicate the conditions under which moralistic conflicts emerge. The theory identifies the combination of the social geometry of interpersonal encounters along with the mechanisms that typically are used to justify the grievances that individuals express toward one another.
Article
Race and attraction studies are gaining popularity as conceptual frameworks explore the associations between racism, color blindness, race, and attraction. This study investigates the association between race and attraction by examining the connection between racial ideologies and bias. Same‐race bias in attraction is well documented in existing literature. This study explores whether the strength of same‐race bias is associated with color‐blind racial ideology, multiculturalism, and racial group membership. A sample of 374 Black and White young adults rated the attractiveness of six dating profiles. The results indicated that some associations between same‐race attraction and racial ideologies are moderated by participant race. Among White participants, greater color‐blind racial ideology was associated with stronger attraction to same‐race targets. By contrast, among Black participants, an opposite trend existed as greater color‐blind racial ideology was associated with a decrease in same‐race bias. Additionally, multiculturalism was associated with a decrease in same‐race bias among White participants. Further findings indicate that Black women and White men reported lower attraction to other‐race targets than Black men and White women. This study offers new insights into understanding racial bias in romantic attraction.
Conference Paper
Research on bicultural couples has mainly been conducted in the USA and is primarily focused on interracial couples. The main challenge for biracial couples according literature on the subject is dealing with racism (Batson et al., 2006; Bischoff, 2005; Bratter & King, 2008; Firmin & Firebaugh, 2008; Hibbler & Shinew, 2002; Jacobson & Heaton, 2008; Kalmijn & van Tubergen, 2006; Killian, 2003; Thompson & Collier, 2006; Yancey, 2007). Few studies address cultural differences (Rodríguez García, 2006), including dating/cohabiting bicultural couples (Firmin & Firebaugh, 2008; Yancey, 2007). In China, the bicultural couple rate is increasing along with the immigrant flow. Unfortunately the divorce rate among the bicultural couples is similarly rising (De- Hart & Zhang, 2010; Li, 2004). Although the non-Chinese members of the bicultural relationship in China can come from various nations, very few empirical studies have been conducted in English on this group. Results from the literature suggest that individuals entering bicultural relationships are often motivated by factors such as physical or sexual attraction (Blakely, 1999), curiosity (Morgan, 2007), or to complement or avoid negative same-culture traits (Constable, 2003; Morgan). For the Chinese partner, in addition, avoiding a controlling Chinese mother in-law has been listed as a motivation factor (Lim, 2011). Furthermore, a common Western assumption is that Asians mainly show an interest in forming romantic bicultural relationships in order to acquire a foreign passport and financial benefits, whereas there is a Western notion of Western males forming relationships with Asian women in order to find submissive females (Constable). Pan (2000), however discovered a new trend whereby, as a result of China’s economic growth, Chinese males are growing in popularity and are now regarded as financially resourceful. Same-culture couples have in previous studies been found to have the greatest satisfaction level (Fu, Tora & Kendall, 2001). Complications addressed as some of the main reasons to avoid bicultural relationships are associated with cultural differences (Morgan, 2007) and language barriers (Constable, 2003; Morgan, 2008). Additional factors impacting the bicultural couples include: culturally defined variances in gender roles (Kalmijn & van Tubergen, 2007; Morgan, 2008, Qian, 1997; Rodríguez García, 2006), geographical location (South and town area) (Johnson & Jacobson, 2005; Killian, 2003)
Chapter
Why do people fall in love? Does passion fade with time? What makes for a happy, healthy relationship? This introduction to relationship science follows the lifecycle of a relationship – from attraction and initiation, to the hard work of relationship maintenance, to dissolution and ways to strengthen a relationship. Designed for advanced undergraduates studying psychology, communication or family studies, this textbook presents a fresh, diversity-infused approach to relationship science. It includes real-world examples and critical-thinking questions, callout boxes that challenge students to make connections, and researcher interviews that showcase the many career paths of relationship scientists. Article Spotlights reveal cutting-edge methods, while Diversity and Inclusion boxes celebrate the variety found in human love and connection. Throughout the book, students see the application of theory and come to recognize universal themes in relationships as well as the nuances of many findings. Instructors can access lecture slides, an instructor manual, and test banks.
Article
Objective Our goal is to measure change over time in the predictors of marital dissolution in the United States. Background The last comprehensive comparative analysis of predictors of marital dissolution is more than 20 years out of date. Rising inequality in the United States requires a fresh look at the predictors of marital dissolution. The Diverging Destinies hypothesis predicts greater inequality over time in the divorce rate between groups, whereas the Converging Destinies hypothesis predicts convergence in divorce rates. Method We use a variety of event history models to examine the change over time in race, ethnicity, intermarriage, premarital cohabitation, education, teen marriages, and family of origin intactness as predictors of marital dissolution using data on first marriages from the National Survey of Family Growth covering seven decades of marital histories. We examine racial differences in the nonracial predictors of divorce. Results In the post‐Civil Rights era, Black women's and White women's marital dissolution rates converged. In the most recent marriage cohorts, marital dissolution rates for Black women have increased relative to White women and teen marriage is increasingly associated with divorce. Women without the BA degree appear to be increasingly at risk for divorce. We find that wives from racial minority groups have divorce rates that are less impacted by premarital cohabitation, low education, and teen marriage. Conclusion The demographic profile of women at marriage has changed dramatically, while the predictors of divorce have changed modestly. Where there are changes in the predictors of divorce, we find more support for Diverging Destinies.
Chapter
What is the language of love? In intercultural relationships, language is an important basis on which two people build intimacy. Taking the time to learn another person’s language can show love for them, although sacrificing your language for your partner’s language can similarly show love too. Love also goes beyond language. Intercultural couples make a lifetime commitment to understanding and learning from each other. This is true not only of each partner’s language, but also of their culture. Although every couple will experience different challenges, intercultural couples may experience more challenges on a daily basis, be this in terms of food, clothing, interactions, words, or behaviour. Even everyday mundane tasks require intercultural understanding. On the one hand, cultural differences can enrich a relationship, as both partners learn about different customs. On the other hand, cultural differences can create tension and conflict.
Article
As the number of interracial couples in the U.S. continues to grow, it is important to examine stressors that may lead to decreased well-being and self-rated health due to stigma. Using AddHealth, we conducted ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to test if individuals in Black/White interracial couples experience (1) higher stress and discriminatory experiences, (2) worse depression and self-rated health, and (3) if depression and self-rated health vary as a function of perceived stress and experiences of discrimination. Biological sex differences were assessed as well. Compared to White couples, interracial couples were, on average, more likely to experience discrimination, and higher perceived stress, more depressive symptoms, and worse overall self-rated health. Our findings suggest a potential mechanism underlying these associations might be through increased stress and discrimination. Future research should further assess additional stressors to understand if interracial couples experience worse health outcomes due to being in a stigmatized relationship.
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The present study aims to understand the phenomenon of intermarriage between Alevi and Sunni groups in Turkey through reactions of the family, relatives, and social environment toward such marriage decisions, along with the effects of these reactions on the marriage and the effects of intermarriage on spouses’ relations with third parties. To this end, in-depth interviews conducted with 43 Alevi-Sunni intermarried spouses were subjected to content analysis. This analysis showed that the reactions of parents, relatives, and friends were generally positive, in line with previous research on intermarriages. Apart from focusing on the challenges faced by intermarried spouses, the study adopted a positive framework regarding intermarriage by considering the processes and coping strategies ensuring success in such relationships. Focusing on these relational processes is thought to encourage further studies on managing intercultural differences and similarities in intermarriage.
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Racial/ethnic minorities are prone to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), posing a concern over social justice. However, the influence of interracial family structure has been rarely discussed. Considering that 26% of Hispanic individuals form interracial marriages in the U.S., we need to examine whether interracial family structure matters for ACEs disparities in Latinx families. We hypothesized that there were differences in ACEs between intraracial and interracial families in the Latinx population. A Latinx sample was collected from the Fragile Family and Child Well-being Studies with 1113 children of two Latinx parents and 397 children of interracial parents (e.g., White mother/Latinx father, Black mother/Latinx father, Latinx mother/White father, Latinx mother/Black father). Negative binomial models revealed a higher overall ACEs score among children in interracial families (β = 0.54, p < 0.05). Compared to children with two Latinx parents, children in each interracial family group were prone to higher risks of different ACEs. For example, children with Latinx mothers and Black fathers were more likely to experience parental separation (OR = 2.33), household material hardship (OR = 1.64), physical abuse (OR = 6.01), and psychological abuse (OR = 3.49) than children in intraracial Latinx families. Based on our findings, we call for culturally responsive ACEs prevention and intervention that consider the unique stressors of interracial families, to promote the health and well-being of racial/ethnic minorities.
Article
Over one in ten heterosexual married couples are interracial and close to 10% of marriages are transnational. Even with the increasing rates of intermarriage there continues to be opposition to such marriages and their families. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of transnational couples, where both partners hail from different countries, as they navigate life in the U.S. Six heterosexual transnational couples across the country were interviewed separately and together using a phenomenological design, and within and across case analyses were conducted. Race, skin color, visibility, nativity, gender, and language interconnected to engender experiences that were different across every couple as they conceptualized how best to protect their families while navigating through varying social narratives, and familial and societal expectations about their relationship. The emergent themes organized into three intersecting processes -internal, intermediary, and external- as these couples navigated their different values, each other, and other systems in their lives. Implications for research and clinical practice follow.
Article
Background: Globalization has resulted in the increase of interracial and interracial-international couple relationships around the world, some of whom also live with chronic illness. Despite growing positive attitudes toward interracial relationships, these couples experience multiple health disparities and disparate treatments compared to same-race couples. Aims: In this paper, we illuminate the general experience of interracial couples around the world to: (1) draw special attention to how sociocultural discourses influence them individually and as a couple; (2) highlight the disparities in equitable health care received by interracial couples; and (3) discuss how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a useful framework for working with interracial couples with chronic illness and how it can be a larger training area in medical family therapy (MedFT) and its application to chronic health issues faced by couples. Method: We include a case example integrating EFT and the BPSS model to address the cross-cultural experiences and treatment needs of interracial couples struggling with a chronic illness experience. Discussion: Clinical recommendations include the necessity of multipartiality and self-of-the-therapist examinations alongside sociocultural assessment and culturally atuned treatment of interracial couples with chronic illness. Future directions include advocating for the expansion of EFT training in MedFT and chronic illness treatment.
Article
The focus of this paper is to explore the literary portrayal of transnational identities, transculturalism and transracial marriages as presented by two expatriate female writers who have made their niche in the postcolonial Namibian autobiographical (sub) genre, namely, Taming My Elephant by Amulungu (2016 Amulungu, T. 2016. Taming My Elephant. Windhoek: University of Namibia Press. doi:10.2307/j.ctvh8r31c.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and Undisciplined Heart by Katjavivi (2010 Katjavivi, J. 2010. Undisciplined Heart. Cape Town: Modjadji Books CC. [Google Scholar]). The paper explores the different challenges faced by two migrant and transracial couples from different backgrounds which include issues of communication breakdown, a lack of understanding of the partner’s background, racial differences and indifference in the communities. The couples’ families hesitated to welcome the spouses into their families, whereas the couples’ relationships and motivations varied and are couched in shifting arenas, yet their interactions created opportunities for the circulation, promotion, and adaptation of a wide range of cultural, political, and social influences. Amulungu and Katjavivi are tracing their interactions within and among liberation movements, being hosted as a transmigrants, whilst facing a wider set of external actors, revealing the lasting legacies that have too often been eclipsed by dominant national histories. The paper postulates that the selected autobiographers allied with more than a single culture, and are pioneers as transracial couples in a newly independent Namibia as well as persistent beings who are portrayed as compassionate, assertive, and enduring people.
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Presented paper captures the issue of close relationships from the perspective of behaviorism, that is the philosophy of science on which behavior analysis is based. Therefore, it is a theoretical interpretation of the functioning and evolution of intimate relationships rather than a direct extrapolation of results from scientific research. The issues discussed relate to basic learning laws that govern human behavior and what results from them for close romantic relationships. The author makes a critical reinterpretation of the main theories explaining the genesis and functioning of romantic relationships, indicating that the core of dynamically occurring changes in the relationship, partner selection, as well as feelings and emotions occurring in close relationships are simple learning mechanisms that occur over time cumulatively.
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Background: Barriers to intermarriage are more formidable than barriers to interracial cohabitation. Relative to same-race couples, a higher share of interracial couples cohabits with their nonmarital partners. This raises the question: Does the social significance of cohabitation differ for interracial and same-race couples? Objective: We compared the stability and outcome of first cohabitations prior to any marriage and the association between premarital cohabitation and subsequent marriage by couples' joint race/ethnicity. Methods: Using data from the 2002 and 2006-2019 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), we estimated discrete-time event history models to predict differences in the stability of cohabitations and subsequent marriages by couples' joint race/ethnicity. Results: The stability and outcomes of White-Black cohabitations were similar to those of same-race Black cohabitations, whereas the stability of White-Hispanic cohabitations fell in between those of their same-race White and Hispanic counterparts. Premarital cohabitation was generally positively associated with higher odds of marital dissolution, but it was negatively associated with the odds of marital dissolution for White-Black couples. Contribution: Considerable heterogeneity exists in the social significance of interracial cohabitation. The challenges of crossing racial barriers in union formation may contribute to distinct union trajectories for interracial couples.
Article
Attachment theory postulates that three behavioral systems-attachment, caregiving, and sex-are essential for optimal relationship functioning in couples. We examined the contribution of attachment insecurities, perceived partner support, and sexual satisfaction to relational instability in 274 couples seeking relationship therapy. The results underscore the importance of all three systems for relationship stability, showing that for both men and women, avoidance of intimacy, low perceived partner support, and low sexual satisfaction were significant and concurrent predictors of relational instability. As such, intervening on factors associated with all three behavioral systems might help reduce relationship instability in couples experiencing relationship distress.
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Microaggressions can adversely impact the relational quality of interracial couples comprised of Black women and White men. Microaggressions are verbal, non-verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that convey negative racial slights to individuals of color (Sue et al., 2007 Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271–286. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.4.271[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Although couple and family therapists are implored to discuss microaggressions within therapy, a specific intervention to explore this dynamic is lacking. However, a lifemap could be utilized by therapists who assist interracial couples. Lifemaps are a client-constructed pictorial detailing the life events of a specific personal trajectory (Hodge, 2005b Hodge, D. (2005b). Spiritual lifemaps: A client-centered pictorial instrument for spiritual assessment, planning, and intervention. Social Work, 50(1), 77–87. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/50.1.77[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). This intervention has been used to ascertain an individual’s spiritual awareness, but they have not been modified in the clinical literature to assess an individual’s racial awareness. The theoretical framework for modifying spiritual lifemaps into racial lifemaps is Critical Race Theory (CRT). The themes of endemic racism and voices of color within CRT are particularly insightful for exploring the experiences of interracial couples. This paper will provide a composite case study of Black women married to White men demonstrating the use of racial lifemaps to address unresolved microaggressions and strategies for future microaggressive experiences.
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The article examines the influence of divorce on various factors in the life of family members. The works of foreign researchers devoted to environmental factors that affect the likelihood of divorce are analyzed. An assessment of the differences between children from complete and incomplete families is given.
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Cross-group relationships are defined as romantic relationships involving two individuals from distinct racial or ethnic groups. For this paper, the terms “interethnic” and “interracial” are used as specifiers for the two umbrella terms, “intergroup” and “cross-group.” Previous studies that examined whether cross-group romantic relationships are more or less satisfying than intragroup (i.e., same-group) romantic relationships have yielded discrepant findings. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies, we found that there is no significant difference between cross-group and intergroup relationship satisfaction (aggregate d = 0.024, 95% CI [−0.076; 0.123]). Tests of moderation found that the amount of Asian participants included in individual studies on cross-group relationship satisfaction is significantly associated with effect size d (β = 0.005, p= 0.02; 95% CI [0.001; 0.008]).
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Racial and Hispanic intermarriage har emerged as a significant features of U.S. society since 1970. Changes in laws and social attitudes, narrowing education and income gaps between white and others, and growing Asian and Hispanic populations have all contributed to increased intermarriage. The number of multiracial Americans is growing through increased racial intermarriage. Multiracial children and their parents are helping to erode historical barries between racial groups and are changing how Americans think about race. As the U.S. Hispanic population continues its rapid growth, inter-Hispanic marriage and children are expanding the number of Americans with Hispanic ties.
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Latinos are the fastest growing population group in the United States.Through their language and popular music Latinos are making their mark on American culture as never before. As the United States becomes Latinized, how will Latinos fit into America's divided racial landscape and how will they define their own racial and ethnic identity? Through strikingly original historical analysis, extensive personal interviews and a careful examination of census data, Clara E. Rodriguez shows that Latino identity is surprisingly fluid, situation-dependent, and constantly changing. She illustrates how the way Latinos are defining themselves, and refusing to define themselves, represents a powerful challenge to America's system of racial classification and American racism.
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We conducted a longitudinal investigation to advance our understanding of determinants of the breakups of premarital relationships. We considered causes, derived from several major theories, that were located in a variety of sources in the relationship, in the social network environment, and in the individual. We extended previous longitudinal research methodologically by analyzing the data with hazard analysis, in which the dependent variable is the instantaneous rate at which a relationship terminates. In the analyses we examined how measures of different factors affected the rate at which a relationship changed from intact to broken up. We found that several variables were significant predictors of the rate at which relationships terminated, including comparison level for alternatives, amount of time spent together, dissimilarity in race, support from partner's social network, and duration of the relationship. These findings offer evidence suggesting that variables derived from social exchange, similarity, and social network theories all contribute toward an explanation of premarital breakups.
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We use the 1990 U.S. Census Public Use Microdata Sample to assess the effect of union type and conceptions of marriage markets on patterns of intimate interracial contact. In so doing we challenge the assumptions that marriage is the only type of union that needs to be examined, and that people select partners in a national marriage market. Our results suggest that neither of these assumptions is correct. Cohabitations, which are a growing share of all unions, are much more likely than marriages to involve people from different racial groups. Similarly, consideration of local marriage markets reduces the gap between observed and expected levels of exogamy for whites, and narrows corresponding gaps in endogamy for blacks, Asians, and Latinos. We then conduct a reanalysis of black-white patterns of interracial partnering that incorporates what we have learned about union type differences and the geographic scope of marriage markets. A principal conclusion of the paper is that while race continues to be an important factor in union formation, it is much less important than previous work has suggested.
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We use data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (N = 4,547) to investigate racial and ethnic differences in risk factors for marital disruption, with a particular emphasis on premarital cohabitation. We find that the nature and strength of the estimated effects of several risk factors for disruption differ across groups. In particular, premarital cohabitation is positively associated with subsequent marital disruption among non-Hispanic White women but not among non-Hispanic Black or Mexican American women. Little of the observed gaps between groups in levels of disruption, however, appears to be attributable to differences in premarital cohabitation. In addition to improving our understanding of marital disruption, this research contributes to a growing literature emphasizing heterogeneity across groups in the meaning and function of cohabitation.
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This study tracks and explains changing patterns of involvement in interracial sexual relationships during the transition to adulthood Using a life course perspective that highlights the role of historical changes as well as age-graded changes in contexts and relationships, the authors hypothesize that involvement in interracial sexual relationships declines with increasing age among young adults. The analyses are based on some of the first nationally representative surveys to collect detailed information on sexual relationships: the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the National Health and Social Life Survey. Findings from these surveys show that individuals are decreasingly likely to be in an interracial relationship between the ages of 18 and 35 years. They also suggest that the age decline in interracial involvement is a by-product of the transition to marriage in young adulthood and the increasing formation of interracial relationships in recent years. These findings have implications for future research on interracial relationships and family formation.
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Results from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth indicate that marriages contracted after 1980 are becoming more stable. This article examines several individual characteristics in search of an explanation for increasing stability. A person-year file is created and logistic regression is used to determine which covariates account for the negative effect of year in a model predicting the likelihood of marital dissolution. Increasing experience of premarital sex, premarital birth, cohabitation, and racial and religious heterogamy are detracting from marital stability. However, rising age at marriage and, to a lesser degree, increased education are associated with increasing marital stability. These latter effects more than counterbalance the factors associated with instability leading to an overall decline in the rate of marital dissolution.
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This article examines comparative patterns of educational and racial assortative mating or homogamy among married and cohabiting couples and evaluates whether women and men trade in socioeconomic status and racial caste prestige. The 1990 decennial census identifies for the first time individuals in cohabiting relationships. Log-linear models of partner cross-classified data provide several conclusions. First, married and cohabiting couples are highly homogamous with respect to race and education. Second, cohabiting couples are less homogamous than married couples. Third, cohabiting women are less likely than married women to be living with partners with greater education than themselves. Fourth, racially homogamous unions tend to be educationally homogamous and vice versa. Fifth, heterogamous marriages (but not cohabitors) suggest spousal trades: high education in one spouse is associated with higher color status in another. We conclude that research can no longer ignore the qualitatively different mate selection processes of cohabiting couples.
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Using information on first marriages from wave one of the National Survey of Families and Households, I form indicators of birth cohort and paternal education for wives, and then construct a four-way cross-classification table including husband's education, wife's education, wife's birth cohort, and wife's paternal education. The resulting table is examined using Quasi-Independence and Crossing Parameter models of association, and fitted parameters describing the extent of educational homogamy and intermarriage implied by this table are presented. Then similar cohort and paternal education indicators are formed for husbands and a second four-way table is constructed, which incorporates the same husband and wife education indicators. Identical analyses are carried out, resulting in a second set of homogamy and intermarriage parameters. Since husband and wife's educations do not change across the two tables and their birth cohorts are similar, it follows that any differences in the two sets of parameters are largely the result of differences in the effects of the two paternal education indicators. I show that the effect of paternal education on homogamy and intermarriage varies by gender, in such a way that wives appear to benefit more from added inputs of paternal education than do husbands. I argue as a result that inherited educational status may play a more important role in determining daughters' eventual marital outcomes.
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The effect of parental divorce on the divorce-proneness of offspring was estimated separately for white males, white females, black males, and black females through analysis of pooled data from 11 U.S. national surveys conducted from 1973 to 1985. The estimated effect for white females was substantial and statistically significant, but any effects in the other race-sex categories appear to have been moderate. Analyses performed to test some common and plausible explanations for an intergenerational transmission of divorce-proneness yielded indirect support for a "lower-commitment-to-marriage" explanation and revealed that a small proportion of the estimated transmission effect can be explained by a tendency for the children of divorce to marry at an early age.
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This article reviews research on the premarital factors associated with later marital quality and stability in first marriages. Three major categories of factors are described, including background and context, individual traits and behaviors, and couple interactional processes. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal research are summarized. Recommendations for future research and implications for family life education and premarital counseling are described.
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Using data from the 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households, we found that couples who cohabited before marriage reported lower quality marriages, lower commitment to the institution of marriage, more individualistic views of marriage (wives only), and greater likelihood of divorce than couples who did not cohabit. Effects were generally stronger for those who had cohabited for longer periods before marriage. Social and economic characteristics accounted for the higher perceived likelihood of divorce among those who had cohabited less than a year; differences in marital quality and institutional commitment accounted for remaining effects of longer cohabitation, while marital individualism did not have significant effects on perceived likelihood of divorce.
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This review encompasses work published in the 1980s that concerns the causes of divorce. Substantive findings are reviewed under three broad headings: macrostructure, demographics and the life course, and family process. Trends in methods, samples, and theory are also reviewed. This decade's research on divorce is characterized by bigger and better data sets, more sophisticated research techniques, and a growing body of conclusive empirical findings in the areas of demographic and life course factors. Relatively neglected areas include theory and family process. The review ends with recommendations for future research.
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This chapter reviews recent studies of socioeconomic status (SES) and racial differences in health. It traces patterns of the social distribution of disease over time and describes the evidence for both a widening SES differential in health status and an increasing racial gap in health between blacks and whites due, in part, to the worsening health status of the African American population. We also describe variations in health status within and between other racial populations. The interactions between SES and race are examined, and we explore the link between health inequalities and socioeconomic inequality both by examining the nature of the SES gradient and by identifying the determinants of the magnitude of SES disparities over time. We consider the ways in which major social structures and processes such as racism, acculturation, work, migration, and childhood SES produce inequalities in health. We also attend to the ways in which other intervening factors and resources are constrained by social str...
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We review the theoretical models and the research on self-esteem among Hispanic and Asian American subgroups and compare these findings to the existing literature on African American self-image. Group self-esteem refers to how the individual feels about racial or ethnic group membership. Personal self-esteem refers to how the individual feels about the self in a comprehensive manner. We describe the major paradigms of ethnic/racial and personal self-esteem utilized in studies of Hispanics and Asian Americans. These paradigms are largely informed by the literature on ethnicity and stress the macrostructural forces that affect self-concept. Paradigms of African American self-image, however, tend to focus more on the psychological mechanisms that transform social context into personal identity. We also review empirical evidence on both dimensions of self-esteem among Hispanics and Asian Americans, and we contrast these findings to research on African Americans. We conclude by suggesting parallels between the...
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This paper examines the effects of childhood family disruption on adult family experience by applying proportional hazard models to data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). The results provide strong evidence that women who spend part of their childhoods in one-parent families are more likely to marry and bear children early, give birth before marriage, and have their own marriages break up. The major exception is that, among blacks, early marriage is unrelated to family background. Several explanations for intergenerational consequences are tested, including the economic-deprivation hypothesis, the socialization hypothesis, and the stress hypothesis. The results are most consistent with the socialization explanation, which argues that parental role models and parental supervision are the major factors in determining offspring's future family-formation behavior.
Article
This paper focuses on family member support of the decision of respondents to marry biracially. Through the use of assimilation theory and marital assimilation as a subprocess, it was hypothesized that African American spouses in biracial marriages experienced more support and acceptance from family members than White and Mexican American spouses received from theirs. In addition, individuals in Black/White marriages were asserted to have experienced less support and acceptance from family members than those in Mexican American/White marriages. A nonprobability sample of 337 biracially married individuals was utilized to investigate the research hypotheses. Through correlation and regression analysis, the research hypotheses were generally supported. African American family members were perceived to be the most supportive and accepting of biracial marriages involving one of their own, and White family members were seen as the least supportive. Length of marriage was found to influence support variables, in that those who were married longer tended to say their family members were less supportive of the decision to marry biracially. Personal income, length of marriage, age, and educational achievement had no influence on variation in family member support. Biracial marriage appears to invoke a level of societal nonacceptance that is reflective of racial caste history in the United States. The research establishes an empirical foundation for research into this social phenomenon.
Article
Notions of a racial identity for persons with one Black and one White parent have assumed the existence of only a singular identity (first Black and later biracial). Emerging empirical research on racial identity formation among members of this group reveals that multiple identity options are possible. In terms of overall health, the level of social invalidation one encounters with respect to racial self-identification is more important than the specific racial identity selected. Here a relational narrative approach to therapy with Black–White mixed-race clients who experience systematic invalidation of their chosen racial identity is presented through a detailed case illustration.
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Recent declines in the rate of marriage among Black women have been accompanied by substantial increases in rates of interracial marriage, especially between Black men and non-Black women. Explanations for the retreat from marriage among Black women have focused on deficits in the quantity and quality of available partners, and the role of racial intermarriage largely has been ignored. This study examines the impact of interracial marriage by Black men on the marriage prospects of Black women. First, our analysis of data from the 1990 Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) reveals that intermarried Black men are selective of those with the highest levels of education, income, and occupational prestige. Second, multilevel analyses, using both the IPUMS and Panel Study of Income Dynamics, show that the level of intermarriage in metropolitan areas is significantly related to the marital behaviors of Black women. Local rates of intermarriage among Black men reduce the likelihood that Black women currently will be married and that they will make the transition to marriage. These effects are especially acute for highly educated Black women whose marriage markets are defined by those Black men who are most likely to intermarry. Finally, our analyses indicate that intermarriage affects the marital prospects of Black women by negatively affecting the pool of economically attractive marriage partners in the metropolitan area.
Article
This exploratory qualitative study used individual interviews and a focus group to investigate how women in Black-White interracial heterosexual partner relationships retrospectively described their racial identity development over the course of the relationships. Racial identity development, social constructionist, and feminist theories guided the grounded theory methodology. Participants described a process of restorying constraining narratives of racial identity into empowering racial identities through three types of strategies: blocking strategies, transforming strategies, and generating strategies.
Article
We used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to examine the social and psychological well-being of multiracial adolescents. Using two different measures of multiracial identity, we investigated the ways in which these adolescents compare to their monoracial counterparts on five outcomes: depression, seriously considering suicide, feeling socially accepted, feeling close to others at school, and participating in extracurricular activities. We found that multiracial adolescents as a group experience some negative outcomes compared to white adolescents, but that this finding is driven by negative outcomes for those with American Indian and white heritage. We found no consistent evidence, however, that multiracial adolescents as a group face more difficulty in adolescence than members of other racial and ethnic minority groups. The results were similar, whether the multiracial population is defined by self-identification or by their parents’ racial identifications.
Article
We explore the association between racial composition of couples—that is, whether they are interracial or homogamous—and the psychological distress of their members, as measured in a screening scale for non-specific psychological distress. We use a pooled 1997–2001 National Health Interview Survey sample of the married and cohabiting population of the United States. We compare the odds of distress for interracial vs. same race married/cohabiting adults. There are several key findings. Interracial marriage is associated with increases in severe distress for Native American men, white women, and for Hispanic men and women married to non-white spouses, compared to endogamous members of the same groups. Higher rates of distress are observed for intermarried persons with African American or Native American husbands or wives, and for women with Hispanic husbands. Lower socioeconomic status explains approximately half of the increased distress experienced by white women, while higher socioeconomic status partially suppresses increases in distress for Hispanic men and women.
Article
We use 1990 Census data to examine how mate selection patterns differ by Latinos’ national origin, race, and nativity. We compare their propensity to marry within their own groups, with non-Latino Whites and Blacks and with other Latino Whites and Nonwhites. Latinos’ race plays an important role in assimilation to American society. Latino Whites are more likely than Latino Nonwhites to marry non-Latinos; US-born Latino Whites are more likely than their foreign-born counterparts to marry non-Latino Whites; and US-born Mexican Whites, with a long history in the US, are more likely to intermarry than other US-born Latino Whites. Mate selection patterns of Latino Whites closely follow the predictions of classical assimilation theory. Latino Nonwhites, however, exhibit a different pattern: the US-born are less likely to intermarry than the foreign-born. Racial barrier also is strong within each national-origin group. When Latinos marry outside their own national-origin groups, Whites tend to marry non-Latino Whites, but Nonwhites tend to marry other Latino Nonwhites. This may imply two paths of integration in American society: Latino Whites’ assimilation into American society and Latino Nonwhites’ formation of Latino pan-ethnicity.
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As late as the 1960s, states could legally punish minorities who either had sex with or married persons outside of their racial groups. In this first comprehensive study of the legal regulation of interracial relationships, Rachel Moran grapples with the consequences of that history, candidly confronting its profound effects on not only conceptions of race and identity, but on ideas about sex, marriage, and family. "A good introduction to an issue too often overlooked. . . . The writing is clear and accessible, the evidence is evocative, and the ideas are challenging."—Beth Kiyoko Jamieson, Law and Politics Book Review "U. S. government bodies have tried to regulate interracial intimacy from the day Pocahontas married John Rolfe up through Loving v. Virginia, which found antimiscegentation laws unconstitutional in 1967. . . . The weirder anecdotes from our racial history enliven this study, which is likely to become a classic in its field."—Publishers Weekly "Moran examines the history of U. S. regulation of cross-racial romance, considering the impact of that regulation on the autonomy of individuals and families as well as on racial identity and equality. . . . She is attuned to the nuances of race in this polyglot nation, and supplies thoughtful analysis of these nuances."—Booklist
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Printout. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 199-213).
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Maryland, College Park, 1999. Thesis research directed by Dept. of Sociology. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 214-227).
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Data from the 1987-1988 National Survey of Families and Households are used to provide national estimates of cohabitation trends and levels. The rapid increase since around 1970 is documented over both birth cohorts and marriage cohorts. Almost half of the persons in their early 30s and half of the recently married have cohabited. Changes in the proportion ever married are compared with changes in the proportion who have either married or cohabited. Much of the decline in marriage has been offset by increased living together without being married. The stability of unions of various types is compared. Cohabitations end very quickly in either marriage or disruption. About 60 percent of all first cohabitations result in marriage. Cohabiting unions and marriages preceded by cohabitation are much more likely to break up than are unions initiated by marriage. Multivariate analysis reveals higher rates of cohabitation among women, whites, persons who did not complete high school, and those from families who received welfare or who lived in a single-parent family while growing up.