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The Study of Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Conflict from the Perspective of Social Conflict Theory

Author(s)

Miao Niu, Peng Gao*

Affiliation(s)

Department of Sociology, School of Political Science and Law, University of Jinan, China *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts are a tangible reflection of the increasing complexity and diversification of family relationships within the processes of social modernization and changes in family structure. With the acceleration of urbanization and the growing cultural differences between generations, these conflicts have become increasingly public. The widespread use of social media has expanded them from the private sphere of the family into the public domain, leading to frequent misunderstandings, amplification, and polarization. This not only threatens family harmony but also prompts widespread reflection on social ethics and values. Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts have become a trigger for family discord, further challenging the traditional ethical value system. Based on social conflict theory, this article examines mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships and calls for the establishment of these relationships on the foundation of equality and mutual respect. It argues that resolving familial ethical conflicts should become a societal consensus in order to achieve harmony and stability within both families and society at large.

Keywords

Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationship; Conflict Theory; Family; Intergenerational Relationships

References

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