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Cultural Variations in Marriage and Family

While Native-American families
continue to experience many social and
family problems, a number of strengths
have been identified (Joe, 2001; Olson &
DeFrain, 2006; Ronnau & Shannon, n.d.;
Sage, 2001).

Strengths:

Challenges.Native-Americans face
many challenges to family stability. In the
last 40 years, female-headed households
have increased, exceeding the rate of the
general population (Coles, 2006). Median
family income is among the lowest of all
cultural groups. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, almost a third of Native-
Americans live below the poverty line
(Webster & Bishaw, 2007).
Lack of education and employment
opportunities, financial difficulties, racial
prejudice, and isolation all contribute to
family instability. Some prominent
examples of family challenges are
depression, alcoholism, and alcohol-
related health problems, such as diabetes.
Suicide has become the second leading

cause of death for Native-American males

between the ages of 10 and 24 (Joe, 2001).

Intercultural and Interracial

Marriage

Intercultural marriage is not a new

phenomenon in America. America’s rich

cultural heritage is due primarily to this

blending through intermarriage. In

America’s early history, white European

immigrants married other white

European immigrants at a high rate. Most

white Americans can trace their ancestry

to several European nations.

As a nation, we have a long history of

intercultural marriage; however, until 1967,

our society explicitly forbade racial

intermarriage and discouraged intercultural

relationships (McGoldrick, 2003). The

number of interracial marriages has been on

the rise since then. In 1970, 0.7% of all

marriages were interracial marriages. This

rose to 1.3% in 1980 and to 2.2% in 1992

(U.S. Census, 1994). The 2000 census

included a mixed-race category and

recorded 4.9% of all marriages were

interracial marriages (Fields & Casper,

2001).

Whites are the least likely to marry

interracially. Approximately 2% of whites

have a non-white spouse, while 6% of

blacks have a non-black spouse, and over

13% of Asians have a non-Asian spouse.

• Extended family system


• Strong identification their culture


• High family cohesion


• Respect for elders


• Adaptability


• Extensive informational resource
  system