Forms of Husband-Wife Interaction in Different Ethnic Marriages (Case of Minangkabau and Chinese Ethnics in Padang City)

Abstract

Based on the research on marriages between ethnic Minangkabau and ethnic Chinese that occurred in the city of Padang, it was found that marriages between ethnic Minangkabau and ethnic Chinese had their own dynamics. This paper examines the forms of interaction (cooperation, conflict) between Minangkabau and Chinese husband and wife in the family, and then attempts to resolve the conflict between husband and wife in the family. A qualitative approach is used to understand the problem under study. Data was collected through deep interviews.From the research it was found that the form of cooperation in marriages between Minangkabau and Chinese ethnic can be seen in educating their children. Minangkabau and Chinese parents educate and guide their children according to the teachings of Islam. Furthermore, these families guide and motivate their children's formal education. This Minangkabau-Chinese family holds the principle of mutual help and cooperation, for example in domestic work, even though the husband is not involved in all household activities. The forms of conflict in the Minangkabau and Chinese families in the study were found to be related to the character of the spouse, the practice of worship and the identity of the child. As for the resolution of conflicts from Minangkabau-Chinese families in their domestic life, among others, by avoiding conflict, giving in and discussing.

Keywords

• interaction form, cooperation, conflict, inter-ethnic marriage