Exploring the “Rules” of Interracial Relationships: Marriage, Nonmonogamy, and Children

The act of marriage or making a long-term relational commitment involves developing rules and roles to organize the relationship, as well as evolving a shared identity, especially when it comes to the integration of children. Here we examine interracial and intercultural couples’ rules, roles, and issues stemming from their families of origin. We also discuss how these processes apply to nonmonogamy, fertility, pregnancy, and children and parenting. We will explore the dynamics between interracial and interethnic partners and how these may be shaped by the family of origin, prior relationships, friends and family, or other cultural icons and societal messages that are often hard to decouple from daily chores and activities, and the establishment of new family traditions, rules, and raising children.