ABSTRAK
Interviews with 22 marriage-migrant women from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines revealed that power distance in conjunction with individualis/collectivism influence their conflict styles. Moreover, women were more likely to engage in compromising style with their spouses, obliging with their in-laws, and avoiding with their spouse and in-laws when they had emotionally given up on resolving the conflict outside the home with strangers and acquaintances. Though inconclusive, the findings suggest that women's educational level, work experiences and financial status influence their conflict style. While these were cultural and social factors that influence the participants conflict style, their goal, namely, providing a better life for their children, was also found to be a major drive in resolving conflicts and in the process they empowered themselves to out win (surmount) the conflicting situations rather than being compliant. Suggestions for future studies as well as a scale for Cambodia's power distance and individualism/collectivism are suggested. |
