The Experiences of Mexican-American Female Adolescents Dating White American Male Adolescents

Interracial dating is considered by some to be even more prevalent than interracial marriage (Yancey, 2002). Research showed Latino adolescents and young adults were more often involved in interracial relationships than any other racial group (Levin, Taylor, & Caudle, 2007; Wang & Kao, 2007) and chose White partners the majority of the time (Qian & Lichter, 2007; Wang & Kao, 2007). The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand the experiences of second-generation Mexican-American females who dated White American males during adolescence. Twelve participants were interviewed. Nine themes and 30 subthemes were identified as significant to their experiences. Themes included: Feelings About Cultural Identity; Parents' Restrictions on Dating; Problems with Parents; Parental and Peer Influences on Who to Date; Negative Feelings About Black Partners; Beliefs Which Led to dating a White Male; Experience of Being With White Partner; Feelings About Disclosing Relationship; and Others' Mixed Reactions to Relationship. Results indicated Mexican-American female adolescents face many potential sources of rejection and confusion when dating a male from the majority White culture. Confusion concerning ethnic identity and internal beliefs about race influenced the likelihood of dating a White male. Positive and negative messages from society, parents, and peers about interracial dating were associated with mixed reactions from others and sometimes resulted in adolescents having strong concerns over disclosing their relationships. The experience of being with a White partner included positive and negative experiences as well. Clinicians and parents should encourage open communication, offer support, and reinforce protective factors, such as high ethnic self-esteem, for these adolescents.