Midlife Marital Happiness and Ethnic Culture: A Life Course Perspective*

INTRODUCTIONIt is well established that the institution of marriage has changed considerably over time. Yet, marriage continues to remain a highly valued and popular institution and marital relationships are consistently found to be central to individual and famuy development (Waite and GaUagher, 2000). Indeed, those in happy marriages tend to report better health and subjective wellbeing (such as lower rates of depression and psychological distress), while those in "unhappy" marriages glean less favourable benefits (Hawkins and Booth, 2005). Moreover, researchers have found a number of factors that distinguish satisfied marriages from dissatisfied ones. Hence, and perhaps not surprisingly, marital happiness is a strong predictor of marital stability (White and Booth, 1991). Despite the never-ending stream of studies conducted on the topic of marital relations, most research has focused on marriages in the "early" years rather than in mid- or later-life. Given that our population is rapidly aging with 1/3 of Canadians now in "midlife" (known as the "baby boomers," born between 1946 and 1964), it becomes increasingly important to understand what factors contribute to martial happiness in "middle generation" famuy development. And unlike previous times, divorce rates have begun to skyrocket in mid- and later-life (Statistics Canada, 2004), which begs us to further consider the factors that contribute to long-term, high quality unions.In addition, previous studies have paid Utile attention to the role that culture or ethnicity plays in influencing marital experiences, despite the strong speculation that cultural background shapes the meaning of, and factors associated with satisfaction in marriage (McCabe, 2006). This focus becomes even more salient as Canadian families continue to diversify because of relatively high rates of immigration (especiaUy from Asian societies). For example, many studies show that foreign-born Canadians or immigrants may experience unique sets of stressors in their relationships or attribute different cultural values to marriage and famuy life than Canadian-born couples (MitcheU, 2009). Furthermore, limited prior research is largely based on data sources using a singular methodological approach (especially advanced statistical analyses or observational methods) and therefore cannot adequately link broader population patterns to specific cultural contexts.In recognition of these research gaps, the primary purpose of this paper is to further explore the cultural component of midlife martial relationships using a mixed-method, Ufe course approach. Specifically, do cultural background (i.e., ethnic identity) and other cultural characteristics (such as rehgiosity, immigration status, and cultural traditions) influence midtife martial happiness? And, if cultural factors make a difference, what components matter and how important are these aspects relative to other socio-demographic and relationship quaUty variables? Finally, impUcations for aging parental marital relations are highlighted, with emphasis on those parents who are at greater risk for relationship stress, strain, or crisis. For example, these findings may highlight die need for particular types of interventions (e.g., counseling) or community supports that target the unique needs of specific sub-groups of couples in order to alleviate marital tensions or to prevent divorce.REVIEW OF LITERATUREThis study draws upon relevant aspects of Ufe course theory, a multidisciphnary approach that builds upon a variety of disciplines (e.g., sociology, social demography, developmental psychology). Families and couple relationships are perceived as micro social groups within a macro cultural context-a "coUection of individuals with shared history who interact within ever-changing social contexts" (Bengston and Allen, 1993: 470). Individual outcomes, such as subjective well-being or happiness in a marital union, are considered in relation to life course phases (e. …