What are the advantages of intercultural marriage

1.Promotion of stronger family life

It was perceived that an intercultural family physically represents the fundamental fact that we are only one race – the human race. Intercultural families demonstrate the possibility of achieving unity in diversity. They, by their very existence, educate Irish society and reduce the fear of the unknown.
Intercultural families create a more intimate understanding between the two cultures involved, thereby reducing prejudice and nationalism. Prejudice is usually the result of ignorance. Intercultural families promote the reduction of prejudice internally and with friends. Children of intercultural families are often able to influence prejudiced adults in the wider society more effectively than adults.
The partner of the minority culture gets to show the culture at large the best of his/her culture as he/she mixes with his/her partner’s friends and family. To be an “ambassador” for your race through your partner is a great opportunity to reduce prejudice.
Friends are sometimes challenged and awakened by your intercultural marriage, and may lead them to consider such an idea, whereas without your marriage they would not have considered intercultural union. An intercultural marriage demonstrates that the heart is something that cannot be controlled by the norms of society.
The partner belonging to the predominant culture becomes more acutely aware of the norms of that society, where prejudice can be subtle. An intercultural marriage forces the partners to confront their own prejudices

2. Enrichment of the predominant culture

Participants suggested that the intimate interaction of cultures resulting from intercultural families can bring about an enrichment, for example, of the music and literature of both cultures within the family. Differences of habit, ways of approaching and understanding the challenges of life, etc. that were once thought of as differences that might cause division, become seen as opportunities for a beneficial broadening of approach.
The partner of the minority culture is often given the social freedom to be different and behave in ways that are new and enlightening for the dominant culture.
As a family you no longer can blindly follow the rules of either culture. You change or disregard the rules that need not apply, taking the good from each culture.

3.Advantages for children

It was felt that children of intercultural families have the opportunity to become intimately familiar with both cultures, e.g. they might become bilingual. They are also possibly stronger mentally and have stronger constitutions than those of a mono-cultural background. The challenges they face make them stronger.
Children of intercultural families break down prejudices in a natural way with their friends of other backgrounds during the crucial younger years. Children of intercultural families tend to be less prejudiced, as they don’t belong exclusively to any one race. They are “world citizens” who empathise with the entire human race rather than hiding behind a particular racial background and viewing those of other backgrounds with fear. Children of intercultural families tend to transcend cultural or national pride, which can cause problems when taken to the extreme.

4.Promotion of stronger family life

It was perceived that being part of an intercultural family requires choices to be made (as opposed to a traditional approach, where choices are made for you), and this active managing of the family’s future results in better choices being made. Families think “out of the box” by necessity. There is active discussion about the children’s education, religious upbringing, etc.
The challenges of an intercultural family strengthen the family bonds, and the challenges of intercultural marriage can increase the resolve of the partners to make their marriage work.
Their different backgrounds can encourage greater openness and communication between husband and wife, as there are more issues to discuss.

by Mr. Douglas ( Family Forum, 23rd October 2004, National Baha’i Centre)