Effects of Change in Spousal Power on Intimate Partner Violence Among Chinese Immigrants

• NCJ Number: 237828
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 610-625
• Author(s): Xiaochun Jin; Jane E. Keat
• Date Published: April 2010
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA15236
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the issue of power relations within couples and intimate partner violence.

Abstract

This study explored how changes in power relations within couples after immigrating from more patriarchal societies contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). Both subjective decisionmaking power and objective power bases were examined in Chinese immigrant couples. Batterers and nonviolent men both experienced loss of decision-making power in favor of their spouses postimmigration. For the batterers, this loss appeared materialized by lower gains in education and lack of significant gains in income compared to their spouses. However, it was subjective power loss that was related to the batterers' attitudes toward IPV. The study highlights the significance of understanding changes in power dynamics postimmigration among immigrants and the importance of distinguishing between subjective and material power to better capture power imbalance within couples. (Published Abstract)