Reaction Paper



Reaction Paper

Selection of Article

The article selected for the reaction paper is Soliz, J. Thorson, A. R., Rittenour, C. E. (2009). Communicative Correlates of Satisfaction, Family Identity, and Group Salience in Multiracial/Ethnic Families , Journal of Marriage & Family, 71, 4, 819-832.

Overview of Article

The role of identity communication, self-disclosure on prediction of relational satisfaction, supportive communication, group salience in multiracial/ ethnic families and shared family identity is examined under the guidance of Common In-group Identity Model (S. L. Gaertner & J. F. Dovidio, 2000) and Communication Accommodation Theory (C. Shepard, H. Giles, & B. A. LePoire, 2001). This article incorporates the analysis of the fair roles of marital status and numerous racial/cultural identities. It also analyzed the link between the relational outcomes and the group salience. Family experiences were asked to fill in the questionnaires by the persons who had parents from varying ethnic and racial groups. The individuals giving answers about mothers, fathers and grandparents were totaled to make N=139 participants. As for the implication for the understanding of family functioning and multiracial/ethnic families, the discussion was made of the results of multilevel modeling analysis (Soliz, 2009).

Discussion & Application

Despite the conventional researches conducted on the group-based conflict, personal contacts and romantic relationships, this research focuses on the understanding of the family functioning; communication and interaction among these relationships which are affected by the macro societal influences for various identities. Under the guidance of intergroup theorizing, the article involves the investigation of relational outcomes of various individuals' perspectives, family communication and identity concerns. In the United States, there has been a significant increment in marriages within the races since the ban was lifted in 1967. The individual of differing ethnic and racial identity may find it difficult to find association to a particular identity. The individuals may face 'cultural homelessness'. ...