Romantic relationships and health are fundamental for society, but what happens to a person's well-being when he or she chooses the "wrong" partner? Interracial Romance and Health: Bridging Generations, Race Relations, and Well-Being tackles this growing public health issue, which impacts millions of people in interracial relationships, especially young adults. With a particular focus on a group of young adults whom he calls the Bridge Kids, Byron Miller provides a critical examination of how racial identity, socialization, and the partner selection process influence whether a person becomes interracially involved. For those that do cross racial lines for romance, Miller reveals that the race of one's partner can have a significant impact on their lived experiences and health outcomes. Opposing the idea that interracial relationships are bad for society and an individual's health, Miller argues that interracial romance has health benefits for some, is generally good for society, and that what is truly detrimental is the unnecessary stress people in interracial relationships feel due to their experiences with stigma, racism, and discrimination. Miller concludes that as the prevalence of interracial romance grows, so does the urgency to address these issues to protect the well-being of the Bridge Kids and others in interracial romantic partnerships.
Byron Miller is associate professor of sociology at the University of South Florida and coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) Program.
Contents Acknowledgments Introduction, by Roudi Nazarinia Roy and Anthony G. James Jr. Chapter 1. Bridging the Interracial Literature Chapter 2. Bridging Racial Groups Chapter 3. Bridging Health and Well-Being Chapter 4. Bridging Family and Friends Chapter 5. Building the Next Bridge Conclusion, by Sara Rocks and Kathryn Harker Tillman About the Author and Contributors
"Interracial Romance and Race Relations is an excellent primer for understanding the research on interracial relations and the role interracial couples can play in shaping our racial culture in the United States. Deeply recommend it for those wanting a reader on interracial relationships in their race or marriage/family courses, as well as individuals who want to be brought up to date on the latest research on interracial, heterosexual relations. Sure to provoke meaningful dialogue and discussion." -- George Yancey, Baylor University
