Families or kingdoms of power: A look at how Latina immigrants and Caucasian women deal with conflict communication with their male partners

This study examines the similarities and differences in communication styles between rural Latina and Non-Latina Caucasian women and their male partners. Power and control, division of family labor, and acculturation were the issues of conflict among Latinas. Caucasians reported feeling strain due to work/family interactions and responsibility for family labor. Latinas and Caucasians used avoidance, demand/withdraw, and aggressive communication styles. The proactive communication pattern was used much more frequently among Caucasians. Latinas and Caucasians reported: modeling positive communication and following religious beliefs as conflict resolution strategies. Exerting personal power and independence was prevalent among Latinas. Caucasians noted that learning as a couple, through time, helped them resolve conflict.