婆媳關係的多元和諧
Beyond Mother-Daughter Affection: Multiple
Harmonies for Mothers- and Daughters-in-Law
Shih-Chi Hsu,
Master's Degree Student, Department of Adult ＆ Continuing Education,
National Taiwan Normal University
Li-Li Huang, Professor, Center for General Education, National Tsing Hua University
Abstract
Culturally Chinese people expect the relationship between mothers- and
daughters-in-law to be as close as mothers and their own daughters.
However,
some
mothers-in-law
can
not
avoid
conflict
with
their
daughters-in-law. The harmonious ideal for their relationship is changing due
to transformation of the family system, and there are now various
possibilities for how they can relate to one another. The dynamic model of
interpersonal harmony and conflict is used to draw distinctions among a
variety of conceptions of relationships.
Thirteen in-depth interviews were analyzed. Results indicated that in
modern Taiwanese society, there are 4 harmonious relationship types
between
mothers-
and
daughters-in-law:
equal
sisterhood,
affection,
obligatory role fulfillment, and efficient co-worker. Some differences in
TAO
interaction principles and emotion exist among these 4 types, which may be
arranged along two dimensions: intimacy/distance and superiority/inferiority.
The core components of a harmonious relationship between a mother- and
her daughter-in-law are obligatory role fulfillment and efficient co-worker.
Those emphasizing the equal sisterhood component have more interaction,
and are not restricted to household duties in their interaction. This type may
be gaining prominence in modern Taiwanese society.
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