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Gendered power in cultural contexts: Part I. Immigrant couples
Jose A Maciel1, Zanetta Van Putten, Carmen Knudson-Martin
1Ph.D. Program in MFT, Department of Counseling and Family Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
Family Process
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Immigrant couples in the U.S. navigate gender and power dynamics, balancing cultural expectations with evolving roles. This study reveals how they manage shifts in male power to reduce conflict within relationships.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Immigration presents complex challenges for couples, particularly concerning gender roles and power dynamics.
- Practitioners frequently encounter immigrant families dealing with acculturation stress and interpersonal relationship issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of immigrant couples in the United States regarding gender and power.
- To understand the interplay between microlevel couple interactions and macrolevel social processes.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative examination of couples within a specific religious group to control for cultural variables.
- Analysis focused on couple interaction dynamics related to gender and power.
Main Results:
- Immigrant couples actively manage a balance between adapting to changing gender roles and minimizing marital conflict.
- The study highlights how challenges to traditional male power are negotiated within couple interactions.
- Cultural factors, even within a controlled group, influence the negotiation of gender and power.
Conclusions:
- Couple interactions reflect broader societal shifts in gender and power, even in immigrant contexts.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for practitioners working with immigrant families.
- Immigrant couples demonstrate resilience in adapting to new gender norms while preserving relationship harmony.
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