This study explored how changes in power relations within couples after immigrating from more patriarchal societies contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). Both subjective decision-making power and objective power bases were examined in Chinese immigrant couples. Batterers and nonviolent men both experienced loss of decision-making power in favor of their spouses postimmigration. For the batterers, this loss appeared materialized by lower gains in education and lack of significant gains in income compared to their spouses. However, it was subjective power loss that was related to the batterers' attitudes toward IPV. The study highlights the significance of understanding changes in power dynamics postimmigration among immigrants and the importance of distinguishing between subjective and material power to better capture power imbalance within couples. © 2010 The Author(s).

Chinese immigrants Power Male batterers Decision making Intimate partner violence

China Interpersonal Relations Spouses social change human middle aged Internal-External Control comparative study control ethnology Spouse Abuse human relation United States Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants spouse Socioeconomic Factors Behavior socioeconomics questionnaire cultural factor Article Questionnaires partner violence adult migration New York City Cultural Characteristics Power (Psychology)