Ethnic Diversity in Marriage

Most of us have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and carry remnants of our cultural heritage. When we communicate, we bring our cultural backgrounds into those encounters. In marriage, gender communication is not as contentious as it has been interpreted to be years ago. The husband may cook and care for the children, while the wife becomes primary wage earner. This challenges expectations defined by society, and the perception of being male or female which is still in a debating posture.

Gender roles influence all kinds of behaviors, particularly within specific cultures. In some cultures what is considered appropriate for an individual of a specific gender, may differ greatly from what is acceptable in another culture. In certain social settings, you will find, for example, proponents of a gender role theory, which asserts that observed gender differences in behavior and personality characteristics are socially constructed.

These gender roles become expectations defined by society and indicate appropriate behavior. In short, we perceive based on what we believe to be possible. Again, your culture is the framework that tells you what is important to attend to, how to organize what you see and how to interpret it. Always protect your similarities and embrace your differences.

Tags: gender society defined expectations roles appropriate behavior differences culture specific