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An Introduction to the Special Section on Multiracial Families: The Challenges, Strengths, and Work that Remains

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Abstract

This introduction to the Journal of Child and Family Studies special section on multiracial families provides an overview of the unique experiences of multiracial families in the United States. We identify a need for greater representation of diverse family experience in family focused theories. In addition, we explain our motivation in bringing together a collection of papers and commentaries on multiracial families. We end with a summary of the work in this special section, which we organize into four themes: (1) The demography of multiraciality is changing along with that of America. (2) The challenges parents in multiracial families face and the role they play in buffering adversity and promoting resilience; (3) The Health and Well-being of Multiracial Families; and (4) The Strengths of Multiracial Families Across Family Life Stages.

Highlights

  • There has been a 276% increase in population of multiracial individuals in the United States.

  • Multiracial families experience unique challenges across the lifespan, and in particular in the transition to parenthood.

  • Multiracial families can exhibit positive health outcomes compared to their monoracial counterparts.

  • Multiracial families demonstrate resilience when faced with adversity and discrimination.

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Notes

  1. In 2020 the U.S. Census improved the ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino origin) and race questions in the Census and updated their data processing and coding procedures which enable a more thorough and accurate depiction of how individuals self-identified their Hispanic Origin and Race.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. California State University Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90840-0501, USA

    Roudi Nazarinia Roy

  2. University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, 64093, USA

    Alethea Rollins

  3. Miami University, 501 E High St, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA

    Anthony G. James Jr.

  4. University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

    Maureen Perry-Jenkins

Authors
  1. Roudi Nazarinia Roy
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  2. Alethea Rollins
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  3. Anthony G. James Jr.
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  4. Maureen Perry-Jenkins
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Correspondence to Roudi Nazarinia Roy.

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Roy, R.N., Rollins, A., James, A.G. et al. An Introduction to the Special Section on Multiracial Families: The Challenges, Strengths, and Work that Remains. J Child Fam Stud 31, 599–608 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02260-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02260-x

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