Mother-in-Law

The mother-in-law, the mother of one's husband or wife, has historically been a controversial figure in society and culture. While the relationship between a mother-in-law and son-in-law can be filled with tension, it is the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law that is most conflicted. Their prescribed gender and family roles as matriarchs frequently clash as two families with often-different traditions and values merge. The most common points of contention between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are the domestic matters of housework and child rearing. The long-term stress such friction can cause can affect the success of a marriage as the son is caught between conflicted loyalties toward his mother and his wife.