The members of the immediate family often remain involved in domestic decision making. Family links provide support but are also reasons for discord between partners. Culture clash was identified as one of the reasons for marital conflict. Divorce is permitted, but takes place only when all reconciliation efforts are exhausted. Sometimes the stigma attached to divorce and financial insecurity are reasons for women to continue with an unhappy marriage.
Cohabitation is generally unacceptable.
The participants felt that they would perhaps be best served if the mediator belonged to their own ethnic group or at least had an understanding of their cultural and religious beliefs. At the same time, they were apprehensive that the close knit nature of their local ethnic group would inhibit them from discussing their problems with a mediator who was also from the same community. The concept of family is very important in the Chinese community. However, most families in Scotland are nuclear. The reasons for marital discord were identified as unsocial working hours, gambling, extramarital affairs and culture clash.