Identity Management and Relational Culture in Interfaith Marital Communication in a United States Context: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the identity management processes in interfaith marital communication in a United States setting. Sixteen marital partners participated in this interview study. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, interpreted, and analyzed. Guided by identity management theory, the interview data analysis revealed three general themes: development of the interfaith relational identity via the co-creation of a superordinate spiritual and value system; implementation of relational boundaries to prioritize the relational identity; and identification of key milestone decisions (i.e. wedding plans and children socialization coordination) interfaith partners face in their intimate relationships. Contributions, limitations, and directions for future studies on interfaith marital communication are addressed.     

Join the Club: Food Advertising, 1930s Children's Popular Culture,and Brand Socialization

Relying upon archival research, this article examines children's food advertising during the 1930s. More specifically, I highlight advertiser-created “clubs.” As a complement to 1930s radio and comic strip sponsorships, dozens of national food brands introduced “clubs” for children. Through a series of case studies, I argue that by creating these clubs, national food advertisers embedded themselves in children's popular culture with the outcome of brand socialization—not simply immediate sales. These clubs offered access to exclusive branded communities, encouraging children to be brand-conscious and brand-loyal consumers. Unlike toy advertisers, who did not enter children's popular culture until the television era, food advertisers sold products meant to be consumed daily; as such, brand loyalty was highly sought after.