Acculturation of Japanese and American Intermarried Couples: Case Study of Their Marital Experiences and Parenting

Abstract

This qualitative case study sought to gain in-depth understanding of Japanese and American family unions and the intermarried couples’ acculturation processes. It explored how intermarried couples view cultural differences, and how they negotiate and compromise in conflicts caused by such differences. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four couples comprising Japanese wives and their European-American husbands residing in the Midwestern United States. Interview questions included couples’ communication style, marital expectations, and parenting, from their perspective. The study found factors such as communication style, gender role expectations, marital expectations, and parenting style, contributed to conflicts in co-parenting and communication. Further investigation including sociopolitical aspects and cultural adaptation are recommended for future research.

Cultural Acculturation: Forms, Processes, and Communication Strategies in Multicultural Families in Central Sulawesi

“…However, they also use their respective regional languages to express their thoughts with explanations in Indonesian to their partners, including their sons and daughters. According to Kura et al, (2019), factors such as communication style, role expectations gender, marital expectations, and parenting styles, contribute to conflict in co-parenting. In short, their serenity was formed and built up to such varied generations because of their successful communication.…”