Title

Crossing borders: The negotiation of difference and formation of couple identity in interracial

Date of Award

1997

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Marriage and Family Therapy

Advisor(s)

Dean Busby

Keywords

marriage

Subject Categories

Family, Life Course, and Society | Social Psychology

Abstract

Interracial marriages have proliferated in the United States over the past three decades. This study explores the process by which interracial partners negotiate differences in their attempts to establish a relationship identity. Interviews were conducted with ten black-white couples who had been married for at least one year and had at least one child together. Interviews were semi-structured, featuring open-ended questions, and partners were interviewed separately and together. Data were analyzed inductively using the method of constant comparison. Results reflect interracial couples' experience of their life together, their perception of others' perceptions of them, and their processes of negotiating differences in regard to race, gender, and class. Black partners more than white partners demonstrated an awareness of and sensitivity to public reactions to the couple and reported more concerns about what challenges their children might face. Implications for therapy with interracial couples are discussed, including the significance of therapists' and clients' locations on axes of power.

Access

Surface provides description only. Full text is available to ProQuest subscribers. Ask your Librarian for assistance.

http://libezproxy.syr.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=736846031&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=3739&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS