Long-term interracial and interethnic marriages: What can be learned about how spouses deal with negativity from others

ABSTRACT

With interracial and interethnic marriages on the rise, social workers will be increasingly working with families at the crucible of race relations. Hate crimes are also on the rise and, as a result, these families may be subject to greater scrutiny and negativity. Twenty-two participants in long-term interracial and interethnic marriages were asked what they found successful in dealing with negativity they experienced. Five strategies were employed: 1. Not responding; 2. Not attending to it as negativity; 3. Avoiding negative situations; 4. Showing we are great; and 5. Preparing the next generation. Implications for social work practice are included.

KEYWORDS:

• Interracial marriage
• interethnic marriage
• intermarriage
• long-term marriage
• Black-White marriage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and material

As per IRB approval and consent, the data are not available.

Ethics approval

The research is IRB approved. HM-HP-00090629-6

Consent to participate

An IRB consent form was used.

Consent for publication

Permission was given in the consent form.

Additional information

Funding

The research is unfunded.