Cultural conflicts and crises in marriages among the Igbo ethnic group of Nigerian-Americans living in metropolitan New York

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature and impact of cultural conflicts and crises in marriages among the Igbo ethnic group of Nigerians living in metropolitan New York. Review of related literature revealed the conflict between the Igbo and the American cultural beliefs and values and how the conflict of these cultures has contributed to the increase in troubled marriages and subsequent separation or divorce among Igbo couples and families living in metropolitan New York. The Igbo ethnic group is one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Ogbaa, 1995). The Igbo values, beliefs, language and marriage culture were explored and compared with American culture. The goal was to determine how these cultural differences affect marriages and children born into the Igbo families who consider themselves, first and foremost, Americans. Sue and Sue (2003) stated that children who are exposed to different cultural standards and expectations often attribute psychological distress to their parents' backgrounds and different values. The study explored specific sources of cultural conflicts in Igbo marriages. These sources of conflict include shared income, reversal of roles by both Igbo men and women, including the threat to Igbo men's traditional role as the heads of family and decision-makers. The traditional role of women as caretakers of children and the home has given way to women working long hours and sharing the responsibilities of home and children with their husbands (Sue & Sue, 2003).Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to determine if the dominant culture contributed to an increase in troubled marriages and break ups among the Igbo ethnic families. The results of the study indicated that culture conflicts played a major role in the problems in marriages of Igbo families living in metropolitan New York. The study showed that these conflicts have impact on Igbo children. The study also showed that most Igbo men and women are willing to accept educational intervention programs that discuss cultural conflict on Igbo marriages. The study revealed that most Igbo men and women supported integration of Igbo culture with American culture.