PECULIARITIES OF SPOUSE CONFLICTS IN CROSS-ETHNIC FAMILIES

Abstract

Purpose. The article deals with the problem of conflicts between spouses belonging to different ethnic groups which is actual as the number of such families is growing today. The objective of the current research is to study the reasons of spouse conflicts and the peculiarities of spouse interaction in conflict. The authors aimed at analyzing the role structure of the family and the character of interaction of spouses in mono-ethnic and cross-ethnic families. Methods of research. The research was conducted with the use of the method of questioning, diagnostic techniques “ Spouse Interaction in Conflict” and “Distribution of Roles in Families” by Y.E. Alyoshina, L.Y. Gozman, E.M. Dubovskaya. The validity and reliability of the results were determined by Student t-test number. Results. It was found out that the level of proneness to conflict in cross-ethnic families is higher than in mono-ethnic ones. Conflicts between spouses of different ethnic groups occur more frequently in the families where spouses are not well-aware of ethnic peculiarities of each other and rarely try to negotiate in conflict situation. Conflicts occur in situations connected with relatives and friends, children’s up-bringing, autonomy, mismatching norms of behavior, jealousy, and attitude to money. In cross-ethnic families disagreement between spouses more often occur in distributing responsibilities for the emotional climate in the family, organizing family subculture and roles “host/hostess”. Spouses of different ethnic groups show negative reactions in conflict more often than those belonging to the same group. Husbands’ emotional reaction is more active than wives’ one. Sphere of implementation of the results. The Results can be implemented in the practice of conflict management in cross-ethnic families.

Keywords

• межнациональная семья
• мононациональная семья
• семейная роль
• национальные особенности
• семейная субкультура
• супружеские конфликты