Semantic Reconstruction of Women’s Experiences of Mother-in-Law and Bride Relationship (Introducing a Grounded Theory)

Document Type : Research

Author

• Khadijeh Hatami

PhD Candidate in Sociology, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/social.2021.59018.0

Abstract

In Iranian society, as in societies such as India, China and Vietnam, etc. the relationship between mother-in-law and the bride has always been considered the most sensitive and fragile relationship and has been problematic in the family environment. In this regard, this research has been done by adopting a qualitative approach and with the aim of a phenomenological understanding of the relationship between mother-in-law and bride. Accordingly, grounded theory and in-depth interview technique were used to study the direct experience of 29 women from different cities. After collecting data and analyzing them paradigmatic model of the relationship between mother-in-law and bride around the core category “accepting my position” was drawn. Interviews showed that causal factors (support, interference, domination, self-centeredness, destruction, conspiracy, jealousy, and acceptance as a family member) and contextual factors (traditional culture and patriarchy) have influenced this relationship and its understanding. The strategies adopted by these women under the influence of intervening conditions (financial independence of the parties, level of expectations of the parties, level of education, level of dowry, age, family support, ability to sympathize) include passive strategies such as silence, coercion without argument, apology and condescension, active strategies such as problem-solving dialogue, confrontation, and argument. The strategies have had various positive and negative consequences such as mother-daughter relationship and sense of support, sense of intimacy, friendship, as positive and psychological trauma, resentment, hostility, the severance of the relationship, the desire for death, and punishment for the other party as negative ones.

Keywords

• Grounded Theory
• Mother-in-law and Bride relationship
• Modernity and Transition
• Position Acceptance

20.1001.1.20081383.1399.17.1.3.0

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