Cultural and Marital Adjustment of Japanese War Brides

Abstract

This study does not confirm the assumptions of hasty marriage and severe cultural conflict frequently made about interracial marriages. The serviceman's stay in Japan averaged over four years, and courtships averaged about two years. Severe cultural conflict was not found in in-group and out-group relationships-husbands identified themselves with their wives' circles; there were no regrets and no serious in-law problems. Co-operation and adaptation were common, wives were learning English, and there were no religious conflicts. A study of age at marriage, educational attainment, residence separate from in-laws, first marriage, and average number of children all indicated stability rather than conflict.