Analysis of Mothers-in-Laws' Negotiation with Patriarchy through Gender Perspectives

Abstract

This study is investigating the power relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law through qualitative research design, to understand dimensions of their relationships and how their behavior endorse patriarchy into the culture. Six mothers of sons whose daughter in laws are living with them and six mothers of married daughters who were living with their in-law were included in the sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed interviews were analyzed. Findings revealed that mothers-in-law negotiate with patriarchy in domestic affairs, promote control of men on resources and decision making, and do not challenge their authority. They control their daughters-in-law in household whether it is domestic, financial, family matter, and social mobility, yet allow them to do jobs and spend their earnings on themselves.Daughters-in-laws are also negotiating with patriarchy for adopting professional choices, dealing with household responsibilities and dealing with personal matters.