This paper attempts to provide a cross-cultural theoretical framework for the understanding of wife abuse among Chinese immigrants in the U.S. It proposes that a distinct explanation of spouse assault for Chinese families may be appropriate because of unique cultural circumstances of Chinese families in the U.S., and the prevalence of 'out-of-town brides' who are abused. It examines the legal and social aspects of international marriages, gender inequality and exploitation of women in the male-dominated Chinese society, as well as legal, social-psychological, and cultural factors that appear to be associated with wife abuse in the American Chinese community. The paper includes information and data collected from local newspapers and magazines, interviews with several 'out-of-town brides,' examination of case files maintained by a social service agency, and personal working experiences with spouses of Chinese male alcoholics.

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male social aspect female China immigrant family violence cultural factor Article family study marriage United States human