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Cultural Variations in Marriage and Family

The issue of cultural diversity should
strike home to Christians, who once were
considered a minority group. In this
chapter, we have focused on four American
minority groups and discussed their
strengths and challenges.We also have
examined how racial, ethnic, and social
distinctions affect family relationships.
Diverse racial and ethnic groups may
involve different values, customs, and
behaviors, but these are not necessarily
inferior to any other culture. God directs
Christians away from ethnocentrism, the
belief one culture is somehow superior to
others. Instead, God calls Christians to
appreciate cultural pluralism—the
celebration of diverse cultures.
Racial or ethnic minorities in America
tend to have strong families with close
extended family relationships.A
disturbing pattern of female-headed
households continues to challenge many
minority families. Minority families
generally have close ties to churches, which
often form the basis for their
communities.
Intercultural marriage has become
more common in America. The lowest
rate of intermarriage occurs in the
African-American population.
Intermarriage still carries a stigma, which
may cause some families to break their ties
to extended family. Often these families

form new ties in communities where

intermarriage is more common.

Different cultural groups arise from

different income levels. This chapter has

looked at the distinguishing features

between the upper class, the middle class,

the working class and the lower class.

Understanding middle-class values and

lifestyle is important because the middle

class is often equated with what is

“mainstream”American society.As such it

tends to define what is desirable and what

one should strive for.

The number of families living in

poverty has increased. The female-headed

family is the most likely to experience

poverty which has led to the terms

“feminization of poverty”and

“juvenilization of poverty”.

Families with a handicapped member

experience many challenges. These include

discrimination, finding time away, proper

care and accommodations, and the social

isolation that often plagues these families.

Homosexuality is not an ascribed

status. It is included in this chapter

because it is a variation that increasingly

challenges the conventional notion of

family. Christians are encouraged to

uphold the biblical definition of marriage

as between one man and one woman.

They also are encouraged to reach out to

homosexuals with love and not with

condemnation.

Summary