M. Belinda Tucker

New trends in black American interracial marriage: the social structural context.

This study addresses the underlying demographic correlates of interracial marriage as distinct among black women and men in a western [U.S.] location. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the structural correlates were nearly identical for men and women: the interracially married tended to be younger more likely to have been married before and more distant in age from their spouses....Furthermore persons born in the North...and in foreign countries were more likely to be married to nonblacks which seemingly indicates that moves away from communities of origin to environments that are relatively tolerant regarding race facilitate interracial marriage. Findings are interpreted as indicative of the strength of social control in mate selection. (EXCERPT)

Acculturation, Sexual Risk Taking, and HIV Health Promotion among Latinas.

Latinas are nearly 3 times more likely to acquire AIDS than other women in the United States. It is critical to understand this vulnerability and to identify predictors of risk. Structural equation models were used to test predictors mediators (including components of the health belief model) and sex-related outcomes and behavior. Interview data were collected from a random cross-sectional community sample of 227 sexually active Latinas (M age = 32 years). Acculturation was associated with higher HIV-related risks within primary relationships. Older Latinas were less likely than younger Latinas to make behavior changes or use barrier methods of contraception to prevent HIV and they had higher rates of unintended pregnancies. Marriage was related to greater relationship risk and less behavior change. Theoretical models must account for ethnicity race and culture to understand better unwanted sexual outcomes for Latinas including HIV risks. Strategies are needed that specifically address these issues in HIV prevention and counseling programs. (authors)

Romantic Unions in an Era of Uncertainty: A Post-Moynihan Perspective on African American Women and Marriage:

This article provides a brief overview of how African American women are situated in and around the thesis of the Moynihan Report. The authors take the lens of uncertainty and apply it to a post-Moynihan discussion of African American women and marriage. They discuss uncertainty in the temporal organization of poor womens lives and in the new terrains of gender relationships and how both influence African American womens thoughts and behaviors in their romantic relationships and marriages. They argue that much is to be learned from by focusing the lens in this way. It allows us to look at the contemporary romantic relationship and marriage behaviors of African American women in context and in ways that do not label them as having pathological behaviors that place them out of sync with broader societal trends.

ETHNIC VARIATIONS IN PERCEPTIONS OF MEN'S PROVIDER ROLE

Relatively little research has examined current perceptions of mens provider role in light of widespread support for womens employment. This study examined attitudes toward provider role enactment and provider role responsibility and how such views varied by ethnicity, gender, demographic characteristics, immigration status, acculturation, and community economic conditions. Telephone interviews were conducted with 3,213 residents across 21 cities. The sample was 40% African American, 7% Mexican American, and 53% White. Though there was strong support for dual provider role enactment by female and male respondents, beliefs about mens responsibility for family provision displayed greater variability. Ethnic minorities, particularly less acculturated Mexican immigrants, were more likely than Whites to believe that men were responsible for making economic provisions. Favorable economic conditions for men were associated with a greater emphasis on male provider responsibilities among Mexican Americans and Whites, whereas the opposite was true for Blacks. Overall, the findings suggest that ones position in the socioeconomic structure and the economic potential for men in ones environment help shape these attitudes.

Social Structural and Psychological Correlates of Interethnic Dating

This study is designed to: (a) describe current interethnic dating behavior and related attitudes among southern Californians; and (b) examine social structural and psychological correlates of interethnic dating. Data were derived from a telephone survey conducted with a probability sample of African American, Latino and white residents of southern California. lnterethnic dating was reported by over half of all ethnic groups and both sexes and more frequently among men. Most reported that family members knew of their behavior and few families objected, although white women were most likely to report family criticism. Whites and Latinos who admitted to exclusions for intermarriage were most likely to exclude blacks, and black women and Latinas were most likely to exclude Asians. Logistic regression analyses indicated that interethnic dating was associated with being male, younger, having more education, being less lonely, the perception of having more mating opportunities and being African American or Latino rather than white. Within ethnic group analyses demonstrated that the loneliness finding was specific to African American women and Latino males, suggesting that dating outside of ones ethnic group was perhaps an adaptive behavior for these groups. It appears that ones particular location in the social structure as a function of age, education, sex and ethnic group may facilitate or discourage interethnic dating. Furthermore, mate availability considerations contribute to such decisions.

A Descriptive and Comparative Analysis of the Social Support Structure of Heroin Addicted Women

The aim of the present study was to explore various aspects of the social support structure for addicted women as compared to addicted men and a group of socioeconomically similar women (presumed to be unaddicted) in an attempt to identify those critical elements that might be usefully attended to in treatment.

Adapting a Comprehensive Approach to African American Women's Sexual Risk Taking

Abstract This study examines factors predicting the context of HIV related sexual behaviors in a random, community sample of 227 African American single and married women, ages 18 to 50. Structural equation models tested associations between womens past sexual histories, relationship factors, and risks for unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, as well as risk reduction efforts since Magic Johnsons HIV disclosure. Sexual communication and past sexual experiences, most notably histories of STDs, physical, and sexual abuse, were significantly associated with increased HIV related sexual risk taking. Magic Johnsons HIV disclosure increased protective behaviors. Results suggest that a more comprehensive assessment of past victimization and cultural factors influencing womens behavior to reduce risks is needed in HIV prevention programs for African American women. The need for specific knowledge about womens sexuality and relationship risks beyond what currently is be...

Racial Ambiguity and Relationship Formation in the United States: Theoretical and Practical Considerations:

This article explores in conceptual terms the nature of romantic relationship formation and maintenance when a potential or actual partner does not fit into the dominant racial schema – a situation we define as ‘racial ambiguity.’ When a potential other cannot be classified according to one’s existing notions of racial organization, how does this ambiguity affect approach and maintenance? In the discussion, we first explore the concept of racial ambiguity as a function of the peculiar and distinctive American construction of race. Next, we examine conceptual perspectives that can be used to understand the role of racial classification and racial ambiguity in personal relationship formation and maintenance. And, finally, we discuss strategies for incorporating more fluid understandings of race into research on personal relationships.

Exploratory analysis of verbal aggression in romantic relationships among unmarried men and women: Predictive patterns by gender and race

This is an exploratory study that examined verbal aggression in romantic relationships among unmarried Black and White women and men as a function of gender and race. We employed an ecological approach to examine the receipt of verbal aggression separately for men and women at the levels of individual, relationship, and community. We also explored whether gender-specific correlates of verbal aggression interacted with race. Analyses were based on a sample of 212 women and 133 men in non-marital romantic relationships recruited from 21 U.S. cities for a larger study. Linear mixed-effects models revealed that factors related to experiencing verbal aggression differed substantially for unmarried women and men in romantic relationships. Interesting racial differences also emerged distinctly for women and men.