This paper presents findings from in-depth interviews with 16 couples who participated in the Supporting Healthy Marriage (SHM) program. Couples reported benefiting from SHM’s focus on communication and conflict management, but financial needs and lack of social supports placed stress on their relationships throughout their tenure in SHM. MDRC Overview Link
The following resources were compiled by the NHMRC to serve as a reference for practitioners, marriage and family researchers, advocates, and other professionals interested in learning more about marriage and African Americans. These resources are intended to provide an introduction to the cultural population and highlight information on marriage in that cultural population. These are […]
Recruiting and retaining men from any culture in a family services program or entity that has traditionally served women and children can, at best, be considered a token gesture. Admittedly, there are many emotions surrounding the topic of how to get men to do what they are “supposed to do!” Agencies designed to serve men […]
Marriage education generally offers useful skills for couples. Nevertheless, practitioners may need to adapt curriculum materials to help participants learn and remember lessons. This tip sheet provides strategies for fine tuning programs toward the African American community. The tips can be applied to any curriculum, but it is important to note that marriage educators should […]
This fact sheet explores how gender roles and expectations impact couple interaction, family decision-making, and perspectives on marital satisfaction. Background information is provided on traditional gender roles and behaviors in the United States and attitudes of men and women toward gender roles. Trends revealing Americans are moving away from patriarchal marriages are discussed, as well […]
Understanding the culture and values of your audience is of utmost importance. Culture is defined as a person’s belief system, language, behaviors and values. Understanding how a person’s culture frames his or her worldview and relationships, while not passing judgment, is cultural sensitivity. Because of the strong relationship between culture and marriage, it is important […]
Estimates from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicate that in 1999 persons age 12 or older experienced about 791,210 violent crimes by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Intimate partner violence is primarily a crime against women: During 1999 females experienced 671,110 (85%) such violent victimizations; males, 120,100(15%). Younger women generally had […]
In this video, award-winning actor and best-selling author Hill Harper (CSI: NY) tackles misconceptions about marriage, men and family … and how to strengthen relationships between black men and women. View the interview here