This project supports the dissertation research of an anthropology student from UCLA studying how different cultural backgrounds affect the experiences of abused wives. Battered women from three low-income groups: non-Hispanic whites, Mexican- Americans, and Mexican immigrants newly arrived to the US will be interviewed in depth about their experiences. The research will focus on the social, cultural and psychological framework out of which battered women interpret and cope with their violent relationship. The student will interview about 75 women, aged 21-35, mothers of at least one child, to elicit their life stories. In addition objective scales of acculturation and conflict will be administered to each woman. This research is important because household violence is a major problem in our society. Increased understanding of the role of cultural backgrounds in explaining how women cope with violence can help policy makers design programs which are more culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse sub-cultures in our society.
