To Reveal or Conceal?: Privacy Management Processes among Interracial Romantic Partners

Abstract

This study uses communication privacy management theory (CPM; Petronio, 2002) to examine interracial romantic partners' privacy rule development criteria and privacy control tactics. Semistructured interviews (N = 27) were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results reveal that although interracial partners perceive societal opposition, many choose to disclose relational information to social network members. Participants experience power struggles with co-owners in managing their private, relational information, and their disclosures often follow sequences that align with relational turning points. Findings suggest that mixed-race couples frequently partake in both an interracial and intercultural identity, which carries with it additional opportunities for disclosure negotiations.

Keywords:

• Intercultural
• Interracial Romantic Relationships
• Marginalization
• Privacy Management
• Social Support

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erin A. Brummett

Erin A. Brummett (MA, University of Delaware) is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication Studies at The University of Iowa.

Keli Ryan Steuber

Keli Ryan Steuber (PhD, Penn State) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at The College of New Jersey.