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Exploring Social Class: Voices of Inter‐Class Couples
Author(s) -
McDowell Teresa,
MelendezRhodes Tatiana,
Althusius Erin,
Hergic Sara,
Sleeman Gillian,
My Ton Nicky Kieu,
ZimpferBak A.J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00276.x
Subject(s) - social class , class (philosophy) , social psychology , psychology , perception , qualitative research , social capital , sociology , political science , social science , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , computer science , law
Social class is not often discussed or examined in‐depth in couple and family therapy research and literature even though social class shapes familial relationships and is considered an important variable in marital satisfaction. In this qualitative study, we explored the perceptions of eight couples who made lasting commitments across class lines by asking them about the impact of their social class backgrounds on their relationships. Three categories of themes emerged including: (a) differences and similarities in values and attitudes toward education, work, money, and class awareness/classism, (b) relationship issues involving families of origin, friends, and class‐based couple conflict, and (c) differences in economic resources, social capital and privileges/opportunities. Implications for assessment and treatment of couples are included.