Marital assimilation
Marital assimilation refers to the process through which intermarriage between different racial, ethnic, or cultural groups becomes accepted in a society. Originating from sociologist Milton Gordon's work in 1964, this concept highlights that true marital assimilation is not merely about the frequency of intermarriages, but rather about the societal support and acceptance these couples receive. It is viewed as a significant stage in the larger assimilation process, which also includes structural and identification assimilation. Marital assimilation can foster the blending of cultural traditions, values, and practices, potentially leading to the development of shared identities among previously distinct groups. Various factors influence marital assimilation, including education levels, geographic location, social acceptance, and generational perspectives, as well as the impact of racial discrimination and the unique experiences of different communities. Understanding marital assimilation provides insight into how diverse groups can forge connections and create common ground through marital relationships.
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Marital assimilation
In 1964, sociologist Milton Gordon developed the notion of marital assimilation while attempting to analyze the general process of assimilation. He argued that marital assimilation occurs in a society where intermarriage between two groups is widely accepted. Although this type of acceptance is likely to lead to a high level of intermarriage, the actual rates of intermarriage are not the proper gauge of marital assimilation. Instead, marital assimilation is measured by the support the interracial or interethnicmarried couple receives from the rest of society. Gordon conceptualized marital assimilation as the third stage of a seven-step process by which minority groups eventually become assimilated into the culture of the dominant American society. He argued that marital assimilation can occur only after structural assimilation has taken place and that such assimilation precedes what he terms identification assimilation. Some scholars have argued that marital assimilation may also be the most critical stage of this process because if it lasts for an extended period and there are many intergroup marriages, then both groups will begin not to think of themselves as separate groups. This may lead to the development of common values and shared identities. In the twenty-first century, marital assimilation continued to refer to the blending of cultural traditions, values, and practices within marriages. Education levels, geography, social acceptance, and generational differences were factors affecting marital assimilation. Additional issues that played a role in marriage assimilation included varying levels of racial discrimination and the diverse experiences of different ethnic, racial, and immigrant groups.
Bibliography
Gordon, Milton. Assimilation in American Life: The Role of Race, Religion and National Origins. Oxford UP, 1964.
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Morgan, Charlie V. "Theoretical Notes on Immigrant Intermarriage." Routledge International Handbook of Migration Studies. Edited by Steven J. Gold and Stephanie J. Nawyn. Routledge, 2013. 295–306.
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Sassler, Sharon, and Zhenchao Qian. "Marital Timing and Marital Assimilation." Historical Methods, vol. 36, no. 3, Summer 2003, pp. 131–48. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=12120840&site=ehost-live. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Qian, Zhenchao, and Daniel T. Lichter. "Measuring Marital Assimilation: Intermarriage among Natives and Immigrants." Social Science Research, vol. 30, no. 2, 2001, pp. 289-312, doi.org/10.1006/ssre.2000.0699. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Qian, Zhenchao, and Daniel T. Lichter. "Social Boundaries and Marital Assimilation: Interpreting Trends in Racial and Ethnic Intermarriage." American Sociological Review, 2007, doi.org/10.1177/000312240707200104. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Weiss, Inbar, and Guy Stecklov. "Assimilation and Ethnic Marriage Squeeze in Early 20th Century America: A Gender Perspective." Demographic Research, vol. 42, 14 Jan. 2020, pp. 99-132, doi:10.4054/demres.2020.42.4. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.