The Lived Experiences of Interracial Couples: Racialized Experiences, Reconciling Differences, and Engendered Strengths

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of heterosexual, Racialized-White couples with regards to issues of race and culture as couples crossed socially constructed racial and cultural boundaries. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was implemented, revealing three core themes that summarized the lived experiences where couples’ diverse races, ethnicities and cultures intersected. They included racialized experiences and emotions, managing and reconciling differences and challenges, and engendered strengths and opportunities. These findings were contextualized through an intersectional lens and discourses of coloniality, white supremacy, heteropatriarchy, and endogamy.