Multiple Identities: Investigating the Impact of Cultural Differences on Women in Marriages - Literature review Example

Multiple Identities: Investigating the Impact of Cultural Differences on Women in Marriages; Where One or the Other Partner is Expatriate Introduction: Human beings are social animals. But, now people are living in an age in which every person is searching an identity. Individual trait by which a person is recognized is called identity. Today philosophers and sociologists engage a serious question that do we have single or multiple identities? A person who keeps strong religious and moral principles in his life often follows some modern concepts like the concept of ‘single mother’ and ‘higher education’. News papers and previous researchers have come up with a number of issues relating to identity. Generally people develop their expressions and behaviour based on existing social settings and through this specific social setting a person creates his own identity. In case of an immigrant identity shifting essential and he/she creates a new sense or awareness about the new culture or environment. Historians have documented that discussions and debates about women’s identity problems have started in the UK in 1872. (Struggle for identity: Issues underlying the enactment of the 1926 adoption of children act, 2001, p.1). Identity adaptation became a part of social and political life of the modern time. Identity adaptations often create real or perceived conflicts between the existing identities and the new acquired identities. “Studies have noticed that persons who migrate experience multiple stresses that affects their mental or physical well being, rituals and customs, loss of cultural identity, and existing social supporting system.” (Sayad, 2004, p.300). Cultural difference plays a vital role among women whose partner is emigrated. Multiple identity gives the idea to the reader that a person who shows different attitudes and traits towards his/her surroundings in a different manner or acquisition of new identity. At present, people with multiple identities have faced the problem of identity crisis. Generally, people tend to exhibit a particular identity which is better suited for their existing environment. “Women in the UK have faced different types of problems in their married life”. (Patel, n.d). After marriage, a female would be forced to get adjusted to the new cultural identity of her husband, who is a different nationality. Problems are being faced in various fields such as common behaviour, communication, rituals and manners, education, clothing and employment. “After marriage, women often are forced to follow the religious practices of her husband”. (Forced marriage (civil protection) bill, 2010). Sometimes the wife may fails to adapt new religious backgrounds which is different from her existing principles. It creates serious problems when the wife and husband follow different religious principle. (Essay: cross-cultural marriage, 2010). Losing of one’s original identity is in fact excruciating for a person’s social and personal life. Here, one can see that existing cultural environment plays a significant role in the identity adaptations. “The theory of multiple identities explores the concepts that people with more than one identity exhibits a specific one that is suited for his/her offered background”. (Thoits, 1983). In case of interracial marriages and cross- cultural relations the existing male dominating society requires maximum curtailment from the part of the women. Social system, religious practices, moral principles and culture play a significant role in the process of acquisition of new identity. It is a part of common knowledge that the identity formation is a psycho-analytical or cultural process that requires universal acceptance beyond social, political, religious, gender and cultural backgrounds. The research paper investigates the impacts of cultural differences on women in marriages with a migrant partner. Literature review: Having compared and contrasted some of the literature in relation to the impact of cultural differences on women in marriages where one or the other partner is expatriate, it is clear that a range of perspectives are examinable. The literature review includes books, and magazine articles. A qualitative approach is maintained for the purpose of the research as it best suits the topic under study. Identity shifting becomes more crucial in the process of immigration. Becoming an emigrant is a distressing experience for men and women alike. Not only the material loss like income and home but also the sense of identity can be demoralizing. (Kramarae & Spender, 2000, p.1558). The life of migrant women is often filled with exceeding vulnerabilities and sufferings. In a new identity she faces severe adjustment problems. Some times women cannot practice the principles of Multiple Identity in her environment. The online article entitled Cultural Differences within the UK helps the researcher to understand the problems of cultural differences among the women folk in the UK. “The woman is suffering from language difficulties she may not be financially self-regulating, she may not be aware of her rights and responsibilities; she may not have access to services, or indeed be attentive of the survival of such services.” (Cultural differences within in the UK, n.d.). The book entitled International commercial law: being the principles of mercantile law of the ... by Leone Levi helps the researcher to understand more about the identity problems of women in the United Kingdom. “It is a part of common knowledge is that after marriage the personal identity of the women is lost and her person is absolutely dashed in that of her husband, and he attains an absolute mastery over her person and belongings.” (Levi, 2007, p.23). Abigail Gliddon’s comments about the status of women help the researcher to understand women’s identity issues .Author remarks that;” But when a woman takes her husbands name, she surrenders her former identity and adopts his. She becomes a Jones, not a Smith; a Cook, not a Baker; a wife, not an individual.” (Gliddon, 2009). Studies show that the life of emigrant wives is always bounded with a number of factors such as her husband’s economical background, social status, cultural identity and religious belief. The wives often are compelled to give up her self identity. “In existing social system an immigrant wife may be financially and emotionally dependent up on her husband, restraining her alternatives to the relationship and placing her at amplified risk for domestic conflicts.” (Anderson, 1993). There is the chance of more interaction and marriage with a partner who belong to another culture in our present world, which is like a global village. A person gets a variety of information from the living conditions or his society that includes into the meaning of culture. Before marriage, a woman’s sub-conscious mind will set up her own tradition making the adjustment in a long term life a problem. Cordelia W Reimers provides highly informative facts about the problems of cultural differences. Cordelia W Reimers states that; “Cultural differences may give rise to systematic differences in utility functions that lead to systematic differences by women.” (Reimers, 1985). In the UK there is different social and family condition that creates a strange feeling to one who comes from Eastern Europe or Asia. (Goody, 1996). Family is the basic unit of the safeguarding cultural traits that provides the inevitable knowledge to its members. So it requires a healthy relation which helps to overcome problems between the couples, if they include in different cultural groups. Rules of the family are surely different among cultural-groups. This fact first affects the women folk rather than men. (Coupach & Canary, 2010). The Procreation process being their fundamental duty consequently limits their rights within family and cultural groups. “As weaker sections of the community, women face various adjustment problems such as, discrimination, isolation and financial stress.Immigrant women face various troubles in their new living condition having different cultural features. The journal article entitled The Influence of Culture on Immigrant Women’s Mental Health Care Experiences from the Perspectives of Health Care Providers very informative comments about the problems of identity crisis among immigrant women. In their new identity they often affect various mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia, and post migration stress disorders.” (OMahony & Donnelly, 2007). Newspaper reports show that women in the UK have faced the identity problem in their selection of partners. Religion plays a vital role in their marriage. Amanda Jayakody and et al remarks that; “A number of teenagers – particularly, but not exclusively young Bangladeshis and Pakistanis - identified religion as important to them in terms of partner choice, especially in a long-term relationship.” (Jayakody, et al., n.d., p.6). In the UK identity crisis became crucial when one or the other partner is migrated. In many cases men were not ready to admit the cultural and ethnic diversity of their spouse. As a result, the female partners were forced to give up their original identity. The online article entitled Migration, distress and cultural identity by Dinesh Bhugra clearly states that;” When individuals migrate from one nation state or culture to another, be it for temporary or permanent residence or for economic, political or educational purposes, there is every likelihood that aspects of that individual’s cultural and ethnic identity will change.” (Bhugra, 2004). The impact of cultural difference is serious in women’s life when they were engage in interracial marriage. Adaptation and replacement of two different identities make problems and it affect the social and personal life of the females. The journal article titled Interracial Marriage - Difficulties In Interracial Marriages states that; “Some of the difficulties experienced by interracial couples are unique and a direct result of the interracial experience. The myths that surround interracial couples can also be stumbling blocks to a healthy marriage.” (Interracial marriage - difficulties in interracial marriages, 2010). Large number of women or housewives in the UK faces serious problems in their day-today life. They find it difficult to blend both house hold works and the activities from the work fields. “Caring of family members creates some emotional and identity problems. New environment often requires different jobs and after marriage woman were forced to adjust with different situations.” (Anne P. Copeland, Ph.D. and Saskia Meckman ,2010) News reports and previous researchers have already mentioned that gender, nationality and cultural identity play a vital role in marriage. The web article Transnational marriage among Ahmadi Muslims in the UK states that; “The gender and country of residence of the individual in each case appears to be a reasonable predictor of decision-making relating to marriage in a transnational context.” (Balzani, 2006). Existing social system gives a submissive status to the women folk and the replacement of her identity never affect the male dominating society. “Sociologists often mentioned the fact that women are a susceptible class in cultural groups because they have a special role in the society. Women give birth to the new members and are usually seen as the primary socialisers or social engineers of the young generation.” (2001, p.1). Cultural traditions and hereditary environment have contrary and constructive influences in a divergent position, especially women. Women from eastern places have the chance to feel an unconstructive situation in western nations. Thus, cultural differences often generate direct or indirect outcomes in the direction of women. In short, an immigrant woman has the problems of integration with the host societies due to the cultural differences. If a woman fails to integrate; she may feel inequality in host society. Women face various challenges including discrimination, financial stress and isolation in a host society. Cultural differences cause unfamiliar settings in certain occasions to a migrant woman. Particular situations like pregnancy and childbirth make adversity due to the absence of the relatives. “Cultural difference and identity problems affect the process of pregnancy and childbirth and it can be extremely difficult for a woman living in the status of an acquired identity.” (Cultural differences, 1996). This type of circumstances vibrates the mind of a woman and creates homesickness. So, the cultural differences are a serious issue in several occasions. The reason is the lesser mental competence of the women that is not enough in such situations. In his book entitled Multicultural jurisdictions: cultural differences and womens rights Ayelet Shachar asserts that; “Women have been subject to systemic violations of their citizenship rights under the auspices of state accommodation policies in the family law arena.” (2001, p.6). Women migrate to other nations to explore various opportunities of life. But, after marriage they are being compelled to leave their work. Here they feel both the problems of the work and cultural adjustment. Here they were compelled to change in a new cultural identity. Robert T. Moran and others gives valuable suggestions about the impacts of cultural differences in women’s life. “Living with the atmosphere of environment that different from her existing identity woman often chooses to give up her working or profession and become full time mothers or housewife.” (Moran, Harris & Mora, 2007). Some of them have failed to change their original identity. However people keeps multiple identity through a reasonable selection of specific identity which is suited for specific environment. Identity problems and cultural differences play a vital role in women’s social and cultural life in the United Kingdom. The above discussed materials help the reader to conclude that wide areas of issues are related with women and their identity problems. Reference List Anderson, M. J. (1993). A license to abuse: The impact of conditional status on female immigrants. The Yale Law Journal Co, Inc, 102(6). Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.nostatusquo.com/ACLU/anderson/brides/pg1.html Balzani, M. (2006). Transnational marriage among Ahmadi Muslims in the UK. Blackwell Publishing Ltd & Global Networks Partnership. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://roehampton.openrepository.com/roehampton/bitstream/10142/82693/1/Global%20Networks%20proofs%203Balzani.pdf Bhugra, D. (2004). Migration, distress and cultural identity. British Medical Bulletin. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://bmb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/69/1/129 Copeland, A. P., & Meckman, S. (2010). Alumna Saskia Mekhan ‘Women expatriates: A view of their own’. World Learning SIT Graduate Institute. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://pimadmissions.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/alumna-saskia-meckman-women-expatriates-a-view-of-their-own/ Coupach, W. R., & Canary, D. J. (2010). Conflict-couple relationships, family relationships, parent-child relationships-theory, development. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://family.jrank.org/pages/315/Conflict.html#ixzz0kxJGVJGp Cultural differences. (1996). Popular Reports XXIV(3). Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://info.k4health.org/pr/J45/j45chap4_3.shtml Cultural differences within in the UK. (n.d.). www.domestic-violence-and-abuse.co.uk. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.domestic-violence-and-abuse.co.uk/information/Cultural-Differences-in-the-UK.php Essay: cross-cultural marriage. (2010). English-Test.Net. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic49681.html Forced marriage (civil protection) bill. (2010). Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70126-0001.htm Gliddon, A. (2009). Not in the name of marriage. Guardian.co.uk. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/17/women-relationships Goody, J. (1996). Comparing family systems in Europe and Asia: Are there different sets of rules. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://www.jstor.org/pss/2137684 Interracial marriage - difficulties in interracial marriages. (2010). Met Industries and its Licensors. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://family.jrank.org/pages/930/Interracial-Marriage-Difficulties-in-Interracial-Marriages.html#ixzz0ka84eRxT Jayakody, A., et al. (n.d.). Culture, identity, religion and sexual behavior among black and minority ethnic teenagers in east London. P.6. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/rw42d.pdf Kramarae, C., & Spender, D. (2000). Routledge international encyclopedia of women: Identity politics to publishing. Routledge, p.1558. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://books.google.co.in/books?id=60KJxSvkh5MC&pg=PA1558&dq=identity+problems+of+women+in+UK&hl=en&ei=diDAS_mkK5KyrAeDmYnSCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q Keating, J. Struggle for identity: issues underlying the enactment of the 1926 adoption of children act. (2001), P.1. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:tvprXT9s9FkJ:www.sussex.ac.uk/history/documents/3-keating-struggle-for-identity+Historians+have+documented+that+discussions+and+debates+about+women%E2%80%99s+identity+problems+have+started+in+the+UK+in+1872&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjieEC5fa_acUUgbzgzrWVsXQuFbu5ESikEZeX3079u7hVbj8ZbbjsAZmO99Tiqx5cq9gCljypPPilr49I8WCZtSZJj_wLS-BSbTDqd2I1CqJ98bHWpDayyzC8QEBuRDd4kqJI-&sig=AHIEtbRvotAi2kuztMHEyR15evy72yRYw =identity%20problems%20of%20women%20in%20UK&f=false Keating, J. Struggle for identity: issues underlying the enactment of the 1926 adoption of children act. (2001), P.1. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:tvprXT9s9FkJ:www.sussex.ac.uk/history/documents/3-keating-struggle-for-identity+Historians+have+documented+that+discussions+and+debates+about+women%E2%80%99s+identity+problems+have+started+in+the+UK+in+1872&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjieEC5fa_acUUgbzgzrWVsXQuFbu5ESikEZeX3079u7hVbj8ZbbjsAZmO99Tiqx5cq9gCljypPPilr49I8WCZtSZJj_wLS-BSbTDqd2I1CqJ98bHWpDayyzC8QEBuRDd4kqJI-&sig=AHIEtbRvotAi2kuztMHEyR15evy72yRYw Levi, L. (2007). International commercial law: Being the principles of mercantile law of the following and other countries, viz.: England, Scotland, Ireland, British India, British colonies, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hans towns, Italy, Netherlands, Norway… Harvard University: V. and R. Stevens, Sons, and Haynes. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://books.google.co.in/books?id=xukNAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA23&dq=By+marriage,+the+personal+identity+of+the+woman+is+lost.+Her+person+is+completely+sunk+in+that+of+her+husband,+and+he+acquires+an+absolute+mastery+over+her+person+and+effects.+Hence+her+complete+disability+to+contract+legal+obligations%3B+and+except+in+the+event+of+separation+by+divorce,+or+other+causes,+a+married+woman+in+the+United+Kingdom+cannot+engage+in+trade&hl=en&ei=sSbAS_PTIYm3rAeDz4yjCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=By%20marriage%2C%20the%20personal%20identity%20of%20the%20woman%20is%20lost.%20Her%20person%20is%20completely%20sunk%20in%20that%20of%20her%20husband%2C%20and%20he%20acquires%20an%20absolute%20mastery%20over%20her%20person%20and%20effects.%20Hence%20her%20complete%20disability%20to%20contract%20legal%20obligations%3B%20and%20except%20in%20the%20event%20of%20separation%20by%20divorce%2C%20or%20other%20causes%2C%20a%20married%20woman%20in%20the%20United%20Kingdom%20cannot%20engage%20in%20trade&f=false Moran, R. T. Harris, P. R., & Mora, S. V. (2007). Managing cultural differences: global leadership strategies for the 21st century. Butterworth-Heinemann, p.161. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://books.google.co.in/books?id=FJWxdydBGPoC&pg=PA164&dq=cultural+differences+and+women&hl=en&ei=YIHBS_DUGc63rAe0-KTfDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CEIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=cultural%20differences%20and%20women&f=false OMahony, J. M., & Donnelly, T. T. (2007). The influence of culture on immigrant womens mental health care experiences from the perspectives of health care providers. Issues in Mental Health Nursing 28(5). Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a779883834~db=all~order=page Patel, P. (n.d.). Notes on Gender and Racial Discrimination. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/Patel45.htm Reimers, C. W. (1985). Cultural differences in labor force participation among married women. American Economic Association. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.jstor.org/pss/1805605 Shachar, A. (2001). Multicultural jurisdictions: Cultural differences and women’s rights. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press, p.1. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.rolandpierik.nl/Theory/Downloads/Shachar.pdf Sayad, A. (2004). The suffering of the immigrant. Polity. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://books.google.co.in/books?id=GZSoWWHg034C&pg=PT1&lpg=PT1&dq=sufferings++of+immigrants+in+uk&source=bl&ots=vGaaYZah1a&sig=goR5fEr0JsKWpkuTqpv7o7YexqQ&hl=en&ei=7yHES4a_IoO7rAewjOWYDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBcQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false Thoits, P. A. (1983). Multiple identities and psychological well-being: A reformulation and test of the social isolation hypothesis. Princeton University. Retrieved April 13, 2010, from http://www.jstor.org/pss/2095103 Read More