Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Asian American women-Psychology, Asian Americans-Race identity, Interracial marriage-Psychological aspects, Interethnic marriage-Psychological aspects, Interracial, Interethnic, Marriage, Dating, Relationships, Racial identity, Ethnic identity, Asian American, Identity development, Intermarriage

Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore the research question of "How do interracial/interethnic relationships with Black, Latino, and Native American men influence the race/ethnic identity of Asian American women?" Although there is a plethora of research on Asian and White interracial relationships, there are no studies that look at interracial relationships between Asian women and Black, Hispanic and Native American men. Also, only a couple of the current studies have examined how interracial relationships influence the perception by Asian women of their racial/ethnic identity. Nine Asian American women residing in various parts of the United States participated in this research study. They responded to a semi-structured interview that included questions about their own race/ethnic identity, their partner's race/ethnic identity, and their perception of their interracial relationship. The current study found that being in interracial relationships with Black or Latino men enabled Asian American women to be more accepting of their own racial/ethnic identity. Asian American women also experienced an increased understanding of both their own racial/ethnic group, as well as gaining more understanding and acceptance of other minority racial/ethic groups. This study may be helpful in increasing cultural competency for clinicians who are working with Asian American women who are in interracial relationships with Black, Latino, or Native American men in the context of individual or couple's therapy.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 62 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2012. Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-55)

Limited Access until August 2017

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