Marital and Sexual Satisfaction among South Asian Americans

Numerous studies have been conducted to examine and understand husband-wife relations. Studies that have looked at marriages suggest that there is a difference, as it relates to marriage satisfaction, in marriage classification, which can be classified as either "arranged" or "by choice." However, only a small amount of research that is conducted focuses on minority groups in relation to marital satisfaction and intimacy. Even fewer studies have been conducted solely on marriages classified as arranged and arranged marriages in comparison to choice marriages, in regards to marital satisfaction. This study looked at the South Asian American population--- more specifically couples who identify themselves as subscribing to an arranged marriage or a marriage by choice. Using marital and sexual satisfaction measurements, this study will determine the relationship between the two constructs in relation to marriage classification and the social exchange theory. This study, and others like it, are crucial in understanding Eastern marital beliefs and the difference between Western ideologies of marriages. Since there is a small amount of data dedicated to minorities, more specifically South Asians, this study highlighted the importance of understanding certain beliefs held in regards to sexual and marital satisfaction within the South Asian/ South Asian American communities. South Asians are typically cautious and reluctant to discuss anything related to marriage; they are also reluctant to speak about sex. Conducting and promoting more research on socially acceptable and unacceptable topics may also be beneficial in understand this particular minority group, and others like it.