| The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of in-law relationships from a role theory perspective. Perceived satisfaction with the in-law relationship and the amount of disagreement couples experience was examined by roles the parent-in-law occupied, gender of the parent-in-law and child-in-law, and proximity. The in-law roles studied consisted of parent, grandparent, and dependent family member. The participants for this study (N = 618) were drawn from the National Survey of Families and Households (Sweet, Bumpass, & Call, 1988) consisting of data gathered from a national probability sample of over 13,000 respondents.;No significant differences in the dependent variables by role or proximity were found. However, gender main effects and interactions were found indicating husbands perceived a better relationship with in-laws than wives. In addition, husbands' relationships with their fathers-in-law were perceived as more satisfactory than with their mothers-in-law. Wives, however, reported equally satisfying relationships with both mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law. Therefore, in-law relationships may not be as problematic as once believed. This justifies a reexamination of this area of family life. |
