Research Paper on Interracial Marriage and Family

Introduction

Marriage and family have always remained to be the centre of full unity in the human race. Different families and marriages depend on several factors to ensure that they are steady regardless of the background of the parties concerned. In most cases, marriage is challenged by interracial traits which not only jeopardise the relationship but also exposes the parties to some differences. Similarly, the race has been identified as a socio-historical concept which was developed by colonising powers which were very dominant to help in explaining the primary reasons for the slavery and subjugation of the minority populations. The category of race, as well as its meaning, has been given concrete expression through historical concepts and specific social relations which are pertinent in ensuring such applications are adequately embedded among the couples. Although slavery and slave trade has ended and laws made against any attempt on such display, most states and country still exercise racism. Familiar struggles for equality and race is always displayed at macro-levels exposing most marriages and families to be seriously affected by such activities. This paper examines the increasing increase of interracial marriages and the effects it has on bi-racial children. It captures different concepts that are given more attention in attempts to fathom the actual effect of such interracial activities in marriages as well as families.

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Marital Satisfaction

Interracial marriage refers to a form of marriage which occurs between people who belong to different races which are socially defined and falls outside specific exogamy. The practice is allowed in most nations although it is gradually being disowned by most of them. The concept of marital satisfaction has remained key in trying to relate the two races into one with the aim of ensuring that every marriage of such manner becomes successful. Studies reveal that most couples who are multifaceted in such marriage systems are faced with several challenges.

In most cases, the marriage is not satisfying as the two races try to adequate correlate. Children are also exposed to several challenges due to interracial marriages. As the father and the mother try to align their difference, time is wasted in enlightening the children about the basics of the family requirements. The contrast creates inequality in sharing the accumulated resources due to different views that one person may have towards such attempts. However, interracial marriages are measured in terms of economic resources, cultural resources and social resources, but all are based on the perception of the couple towards satisfying their marriage (Brunsma & Porow, 2016). Among the urban people, the practice is prudent, and the practices not only increase diversity in the race but also enables people to share the cultural experiences which can be used to strengthen their marriage. Conversely, in rural areas the same is limited and in most cases and it is viewed as a taboo. Such marriages never last and the couples are left wallowing in the haze of uncertainties.

Additionally, loving someone different can be exciting and romantic. Sharing of cross-cultural intimacy can be so interesting, and every event in that marriage can be associated with fun. However, most people are swayed in by the attraction which the forbidden love attracts them, assuming to deal with issues that may be faced in interracial marriages. The myth of enticing love is challenged by racial difficulties that must be overcome for the couple to live peacefully. For instance, a good marriage is based on proper and adequate communication between the couple. Communication breakdown makes the union unsatisfying, and most couples opt for breakups as the best alternative. Most couples also tend to view their marriage life and static and incomplete because instead of focusing on the progress they are set back to handle their differences.

Interracial Marriages in Relationship vs Non-Interracial Marriages

The approximating in differences which are associated with interracial marriages against non-interracial marriages reveals that children who are born and raced in families where the father and the mother differ in races always have difficulties in growth and development. They are faced with several challenges of adapting to two different social races. Under some circumstances, children in this kind of marriages are exposed to problems which are related to the first language. In most cases adapting to both has always been seen as a significant challenge and most especially during breakups. However, in Non-interracial marriages, children always find it easy to adapt to the available culture and social norms (Harmon, 2016). Their interaction with these systems not only improves their growth and development but also ensures that they are provided with adequate teachings regarding their race.

Interestingly, during divorce cases, the most couple in non-interracial marriages always find it easier to cope with the situation as compared to their counterparts. In the case of interracial marriages, during divorce children are torn apart and usually find it hard to adapt to the new environment. In most cases, their education and interaction levels are halted. They need proper orientation to interact and intermingle adequately with the existing culture.

The Conceptualization of Interracial Marriage

The case study reveals that the effect of interracial marriage exposes most families to different challenges. The most common ones include adapting to new cultures and modes of activities that are being done in the new culture. However, the case of interracial marriage can best be traced through different paradigms. Identification of main propositions and patterns are required to determine the strategies used in exploring the menace. Listening to the stories and presentation made by victims of such kind of marriages provides adequate information based on their perception towards the union. Assessment of the couples strengths, risks, cultural and context need to address through theoretical orientation and the concerns hypothesised based on the nature of problems the children undergo.

Measurement Strategies

Use of Behavioral Survey

Due to the varsity of challenges which are associated with the interracial marriages that lead to improper satisfaction in most marriages, therefore, it is prudent to have a comprehensive strategy. The leading cause of the problem in most interracial marriages is differences in behaviours. The variation is caused by racial differences which each couple have (Brownridge, 2016). However, through behavioural survey meaningful tracks in the changes which are evident in such marriages. Capturing diversity in behaviours which are depicted in interracial marriages help in reducing challenges in which most bi-racial children go through.

Level of Measurement

For adverse data collection based on the effects that interracial marriages expose children, the measurement must concentrate on the nominal to develop a comprehensive conclusion.

Nominal Measurement

Research study shows that most interracial marriages expose children to different challenges due to inadequate care which result from family complication. During divorce related cases, children suffer more as compared to either the father or the mother. However, the numbers and rates of effects differ based on other environmental factors that can be identified through proper orientation.

Conclusion

Most family and marriages are always startled due to race differences. Most of these problems are attributed to differences in culture. However, each partner in interracial marriage needs to overcome all challenges such as different cultural aspects and language barriers. All couples in this type of marriage must ensure that their children are enlightened based on the factors which are culturally based.

References

Brownridge, D. A. (2016). Intimate partner violence in interracial relationships. Journal of family violence, 31(7), 865-875. DOI: 10.1007/s10896-016-9809-z

Brunsma, D. L., & Porow, M. (2016). Multiracial Families: Issues for Couples and Children. Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy: Ethnicities, Sexualities, and Socioeconomics, 289.

Harmon, R. B. (2016). The Beliefs of Self-esteem among Biracial Individuals. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1370&context=etd