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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
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)