The Influence of Culture on Healthy Relationship Formation and Teen Dating Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of South Asian Female Youth Residing in the United States

Abstract

Teen dating violence (TDV) has well-documented detrimental health effects. Scant research has examined the perspectives of ethnically diverse youth about the impact of culture on TDV. We sought to explore the intersection between culture and TDV specifically for South Asian youth residing in the United States. We conducted semi-structured interviews with South Asian youth aged 16 to 21 years. Interviews included three aims: (a) exploring participants' perspectives on TDV and healthy relationships within the South Asian community, (b) examining how different components of their cultural identity affect their romantic relationships, and (c) understanding ideas for TDV prevention programs for South Asian youth. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. Twenty-five adolescent females participated; the majority (76%) trace their heritage to India, were born abroad (62%), and are in college (80%). The majority believed that dating was stigmatized within the South Asian community, forcing youth to hide relationships from their parents. Participants described aspects of culture that may negatively impact relationships (e.g., patriarchal attitudes and fear of stigma), as well as those that may protect teens (e.g., close-knit community). Conflicts about dating due to generational differences were also discussed. Participants suggested programs for South Asian youth focused on engaging parents in conversations about TDV and promoting gender equity. About half thought TDV prevention programs should be culturally tailored for South Asian youth, while others believed multicultural programs would be more effective. Although South Asian culture may confer some protection for youth experiencing TDV, stigma against dating and generational differences may create unique challenges. Future work should examine how to mediate parent-adolescent cultural conflicts around dating.

286. Australian Young Women's Perceptions of Dating and Dating Violence

“…Further, the young Thai women had clear cut views on what was expected behaviour of a good and bad girl but expressed no such expectations of young men (Thongpriwan & McElmurry, 2009). Similarly, an American study of South-Asian origin young women revealed that young women were judged harshly by community members for being involved in dating relationships as dating is stigmatised, whereas this was not necessarily the case with young men (Ragavan et al, 2018).…”

“…The rules by which young women abide within dating relationships are gendered and there is social pressure to conform to these gendered ideals (Chung, 2007;Luft, Jenkins, & Cameron, 2012;Noel et al, 2016). Young men tend to adopt more dominant roles within heterosexual dating relationships while young women adopt more passive roles, in keeping with traditional patriarchal social structures (Banister & Jakubee, 2004;Banister, Jakubec, & Stein, 2003;Chung, 2007;Ismail et al, 2007;Luft et al, 2012;Noel et al, 2016;Ragavan, Syed-Swift, Elwy, Fikre, & Bair-Merritt, 2018). Young women provided examples of endorsing heterosexual norms informed by patriarchal social structures including prioritising the relationship, taking a more submissive role within the relationship, being sexual gatekeepers of the relationship and taking key responsibility for the relationship's well-being (Banister & Jakubee, 2004;Chung, 2007;Ismail et al, 2007;Jackson, 2001;Jeffrey & Barata, 2017;Luft et al, 2012), and this was not different to young women who identified with non-Western cultures (Haglund, Belknap, & Garcia, 2012;Ragavan et al, 2018;Thongpriwan & McElmurry, 2009).…”

“…Dating is so central to young women's lives that young women are willing to challenge cultural norms, form relationships in secrecy from their parents and risk personal adversity to keep up with the social pressure of having a boyfriend (Haglund et al, 2012;Ragavan et al, 2018;Thongpriwan & McElmurry, 2009). Rather than choosing to challenge their parents openly and having a conversation about dating, young women choose to become secretly involved in dating to keep up with heteronormative dating practices while also avoiding conflict with their parents (Haglund et al, 2012).…”

Dating Violence and Associated Factors Among Male and Female Adolescents in Spain

“…An increased risk of DV victimization has been also reported by female and male adolescents who have been exposed to other forms of violence (childhood exposure or witnessing different forms of violence, bullying), poor quality friendships and family relationships and the presence of harmful attitudes such as sexism, machismo, or violence acceptability [7][8][9][10]. Conversely, a higher sense of attachment to school and teachers seems to be associated to a lower likelihood of both DV victimization and perpetration [11].…”

Dating violence and associated factors among male and female adolescents in Spain

“…An increased risk of DV victimization has been also reported by female and male adolescents who have been exposed to other forms of violence (childhood exposure or witnessing different forms of violence, bullying), poor quality friendships and family relationships, and the presence of harmful attitudes such as sexism, machismo, or violence acceptability [ 7 – 10 ]. Conversely, a higher sense of attachment to school and teachers seems to be associated with a lower likelihood of both DV victimization and perpetration [ 11 ].…”