There are plenty of Mother in law jokes in the joke book because of the Mother in law – Daughter in law universal phenomenon, that suggests that the family you marry into, can sometimes be difficult to handle.
According to a research, more than 60% of women admit that they have trouble in their relationship with their mother in law which causes them stress. Surprisingly, this study was not carried out in India, but in England, proving that in-law troubles are not limited to Indian Soaps and Television.
The research was carried out by Dr. Terri Apter, who is a senior professor at the Newnham College in Cambridge University. The study found that according to daughter in laws, their relationship with their mothers is negative and this is because the mother in laws sees their sons as their little boys and their wives as someone who will come between their maternal love.
One of the Volunteers for the study even shared her experience with her toxic mother in law who she claimed began emailing her before her wedding, saying that her son thinks of his mother more than his wife to be.
Other participants claimed that their mother in laws/ behavior towards them was hostile, critical and they often sought pity from their sons.
However, a study that was conducted using mother in laws and asking about their experience found that mother in laws believed that their daughter in laws’ attitude towards them was often “cold” and they try to minimize any time their sons spend time with their mothers, trying to break the mother-son bond whenever they are given the opportunity.
According to Dr. Apters research, 75% of women had issues with their Mother in laws, whilst only 15% of men didn’t get along with their mother-in-law. The issue is thought to have its roots in the bond that is described by Freud in his research.
Ankita Dang
Ankita is a well experienced badminton player and has won many championships. She intends to build a bright career in the media industry as well. She is a sports freak who loves to cover the latest news on Sports and Indoor Games.
