Attitude of Mother-In-Law Towards Daughter-In-Law as a Determinant Factor in Marital Stability in Some Selected Families

1.1 Introduction

Marriage is a socially and culturally recognized union that establishes a family system based on shared responsibilities, emotional support, and mutual commitment between spouses. It is often regarded as the foundation of societal stability and continuity, as it provides a framework for procreation, socialization of children, and transmission of cultural values (Cherlin, 2017). Marital stability refers to the ability of a marriage to endure over time with minimal conflict, effective problem-solving, emotional satisfaction, and a low likelihood of separation or divorce (Amato, 2010).

The attitude of the mother-in-law toward the daughter-in-law is particularly important because it directly affects the emotional well-being of the daughter-in-law and indirectly influences the marital relationship. Studies have shown that negative attitudes such as criticism, dominance, lack of acceptance, and excessive involvement in the couple's decisions often create tension and conflict within the marriage (Aqeel & Riaz, 2014).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Marriage is a fundamental social institution that serves as the foundation of family life and societal continuity. According to Cherlin (2017), marriage provides a structured framework through which individuals achieve emotional fulfillment, social support, and stability. Over time, scholars have reported that marital stability is influenced not only by the personal characteristics and interactions of spouses but also by the broader family environment in which the marriage operates (Amato, 2010). In societies where extended family systems are prevalent, marital relationships are deeply embedded within kinship networks, making in-law relationships particularly significant.

The relationship between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law has historically attracted attention due to its complex and sometimes conflict-prone nature. According to Blood and Wolfe (1960), the mother-in-law often occupies a position of authority within the family, especially in traditional households, and this authority may shape her attitudes toward the daughter-in-law. Researchers have reported that negative attitudes such as dominance, criticism, interference, and lack of emotional support often contribute to strained relationships within the family (Aqeel & Riaz, 2014).

Several scholars have asserted that the attitude of the mother-in-law toward the daughter-in-law plays a decisive role in determining marital satisfaction and stability. Kalmijn (2015) asserted that persistent conflict with in-laws increases stress levels among married women and weakens marital bonds over time. Similarly, researchers have stated that when mothers-in-law impose rigid expectations or undermine the authority of the daughter-in-law within the household, it often leads to feelings of resentment, low self-esteem, and emotional withdrawal, which can destabilize the marriage (Amato & Cheadle, 2005).

On the positive side, some studies have affirmed that supportive and respectful attitudes from mothers-in-law promote family cohesion and marital harmony. According to Fingerman et al. (2012), when mothers-in-law demonstrate understanding, empathy, and respect for marital boundaries, daughters-in-law are more likely to experience emotional security and acceptance. Such positive interactions encourage cooperation within the household and strengthen the marital relationship. Scholars have further contended that constructive in-law relationships serve as a buffer against marital stress and external pressures, thereby enhancing marital stability (Umberson et al., 2010).

According to Kaur (2018), in many traditional cultures, daughters-in-law are expected to conform to the values and practices of their husband's family, often limiting their autonomy. Researchers have reported that this imbalance of power increases the influence of the mother-in-law's attitude on the emotional and psychological well-being of the daughter-in-law, with direct consequences for marital stability (Aqeel & Riaz, 2014). This study is set against the backdrop of increasing concerns about marital instability and the need to understand the underlying family dynamics that contribute to either marital harmony or conflict.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was characterized by tension and conflict, which existing social support systems were unable to adequately address. Marriage is widely recognized as a fundamental social institution that promotes emotional support, social stability, and the continuity of family values. In many societies, particularly within extended family systems, marital relationships do not exist in isolation but are influenced by interactions with significant family members.

Additionally, the attitude of the mother-in-law toward the daughter-in-law is frequently a critical factor shaping the emotional climate of the home and the overall quality of marital life. On the other hand, a positive and supportive attitude from the mother-in-law is associated with mutual respect, emotional security, and cooperation within the family.

Furthermore, cultural norms in many societies discourage daughters-in-law from openly expressing dissatisfaction with their mothers-in-law, thereby masking the depth of the problem. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the attitude of mother-in-law toward daughter-in-law as a determinant factor in marital stability in some selected families.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the attitude of mothers-in-law toward daughters-in-law as a determinant factor in marital stability in selected families.

The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the types of attitudes exhibited by mothers-in-law toward daughters-in-law in selected families.
2. To determine the influence of negative attitudes of mothers-in-law on marital stability.
3. To assess the impact of positive attitudes of mothers-in-law on marital harmony.
4. To identify coping strategies adopted by daughters-in-law to manage conflicts with mothers-in-law.
5. To provide recommendations for improving extended family relations to support marital stability.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What types of attitudes do mothers-in-law exhibit toward their daughters-in-law in selected families?
• How do negative attitudes of mothers-in-law affect marital stability?
• What is the impact of positive attitudes of mothers-in-law on marital harmony?
• What coping strategies do daughters-in-law employ to manage conflicts with mothers-in-law?
• How can relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law be improved to support marital stability?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: There is no significant relationship between the attitude of mothers-in-law toward daughters-in-law and marital stability in selected families.
• H₀2: Negative attitudes of mothers-in-law significantly reduce marital stability.
• H₀3: Positive attitudes of mothers-in-law significantly enhance marital harmony.
• H₀4: Effective coping strategies by daughters-in-law moderate the effect of mothers-in-law's attitudes on marital stability.

1.7 Significance of Study

The results obtained from this research will be of importance to the following stakeholders:

1. Married Couples: The study will help couples recognize the impact of in-law relationships on their marriage and adopt strategies to manage conflicts effectively.
2. Mothers-in-law and Daughters-in-law: It will provide awareness on the importance of positive attitudes and mutual respect in fostering a harmonious household.
3. Counselors and Social Workers: The study will offer insights for designing interventions and counseling programs that address family-based marital stressors.
4. Researchers and Academics: It will add to existing literature on family dynamics, in-law relationships, and marital stability in Nigerian contexts.
5. Policy Makers and Community Leaders: The study will inform policies and community programs aimed at promoting healthy family interactions and reducing marital instability.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of this research focuses on the attitude of mothers-in-law toward daughters-in-law as a determinant factor in marital stability in some selected families, using Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Attitude: Refers to a consistent pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors exhibited by an individual toward another person. In this study, attitude is specifically used to describe the mother-in-law's behavioral and emotional disposition toward the daughter-in-law (Allport, 1935).

Daughter-in-Law: A woman married to a family member who interacts with the extended family and adapts to household norms and expectations (Kaur, 2018).

Marital Stability: The ability of a marriage to maintain harmonious interactions, emotional satisfaction, and resilience against conflicts over time (Amato, 2010).

Extended Family System: A family structure in which members beyond the nuclear family, including grandparents and in-laws, actively participate in household management and decision-making (Cherlin, 2017).