Dominant and Marginalized Discourses in Interracial Couples' Narratives: Implications for Family Therapists

Abstract

This study explores inter-racial couples' family histories, their experiences of their life together, and the dominant and subordinate discourses employed in negotiating racial and ethnic differences. Ten black-white couples were interviewed individually and conjointly. Dominant discourses that emerged from the couples' narratives included those of homogamy, hypersensitivity of persons of color, and the insignificance of familial and societal history. Interracial partners also simultaneously subverted these prevailing ideologies by voicing experience associated with life at the margins of the society. Dominant and subordinate dicourses used by therapists and interracial couples in the therapy room are examined to integrate marginalized "truths" crucial to effective work with interracial couples and persons of color.

Life Values of Persons in Cross-Cultural (Arab - Russian) and Monocultural Marriages and Their Representation in Family Sphere

“…But there is also some scientific evidence, that marital adjustment and relationship satisfaction in cross-cultural families may be greater, than in monocultural ones (Stringer, 1991;Troy, Lewis-Smith, & Laurenceau, 2006). Among factors that help the couples to cope with the difficulties of cross-cultural marriages, illuminated in researches, are the spouses' positive ethnic identity, positive attitudes to the partner's culture (Killian, 2002;Model & Fisher, 2002). Many researchers of the problem agree that one of the most acute problems here is matching the spouses' values and attitudes.…”

“…In general, the researches of marital adjustment and satisfaction in crosscultural couples give controversial results. Some studies suggest that in cross-cultural couples different cultural background and life values of spouses cause greater conflicts and accordingly, these couples are less satisfied with their marriages (Cooney & Radina, 2000;Gaines & Agnew, 2003;Kelley & Thibaut, 1978;Killian, 2002;). Many studies show that homogenous marriages are more satisfying and stable (Heaton & Pratt 1990;Call & Heaton 1997;Curtis & Ellison 2002;Heaton, 2002;Myers, 2006).…”

Intimate Partner Violence and Alcohol Problems in Interethnic and Intraethnic Couples

“…A lower relationship quality for these interethnic couples was in part attributed to a lack of social support from parents. Among black-white interethnic couples, Killian (2002) documented incidents of rejection and negative attention to their relationship from family and friends as well as in public. The sanctions and stigma faced by black-white couples in the larger social context appear to be higher than those experienced by other interethnic couples (Yancey, 2007).…”

Qualitative Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: Who is in the Interview?

“…The person involved in the testing was given the choice of whether to be interviewed individually or with the family together, and all chose with their family. Killian (2001Killian ( , 2002 used a mixed approach with couples who were interviewed separately and together. Killian examined how couples construct narratives about their racial histories and identities.…”