Abstract

The present research was intended to examine conflict between mothers- and daughters-in-law. Data were collected from 124 pairs of mother- and daughter-in-law living together, using structured interview schedules. Interview questions were addressed to the areas of following contents; general advantages and disadvantages of living together, mutual demands and situations of making conflicts. Data were treated with descriptive and factor analytic methods. Results were summarized as below: 1) In one of noticeable points, they responded high advantages and low disadvantages to each other while they are in discord mutually. 2) The results suggest that the nature of satisfactions expected to be provided when they live together is different for mothers- and daughters-in-law. The formers put more emphasis on emotional and scoial side of satisfactions such as they feel safe and proud of themselves living with their grand-son while the latters on satisfactions from instrumental utility such as care of children, door-keeping and counselling. 3) For the request of mothers- and daughters-in-law, the former stress the traditional family relationship and demand the daughter-in-law service as her duty. On the other hand, daughter-in-law claims the right as a housewife and her liberty.