UC Riverside

Using qualitative in-depth interviews with daughters-in-law, my dissertation engages a feminist analysis of gender and power dynamics in Taiwanese, Chinese American, and Mexican American families. A primary theoretical objective is to "research against cultural essentialism" as reflected in a tendency to view racial/ethnic minority families as homogeneous and without internal variation, thus reducing racial/ethnic family dynamics to ethnic values and ideals. This study challenges cultural essentialist assumptions that predominate in the family literature by identifying similarities among three groups, as well as variations within each group. Further, I consider how socio-structural factors account for between-group similarities and within-group variations.

Chapter 1 interrogates how cultural values of filial piety inform Chinese American daughters-in-law's understanding of their relationship and power dynamics with immigrant Chinese American mothers-in-law. Ideals of filial respect accord limited authority to mothers-in-law who engage other mechanisms of power, such as their domestic expertise. Many respondents covertly resist by feigning compliance in the presence of their mother-in-law but disobeying in her absence. These findings suggest scholars should not assume Asian cultural ideals dictate actual family practices, or that ritualistic displays of deference indicate powerlessness.

In chapter 2, I explore the stereotypes and ideologies daughters-in-law utilize in understanding and giving meaning to their relationships with their mother-in-law. Many women draw on the ideology of "intensive mothering" and "feminization of love" to describe their ideal of a good mother-in-law and utilize these ideologies to evaluate their mother-in-law. They frequently use their relationship with their mother as a "contrast structure" to explain that with their mother-in-law. I explore the implications of this comparison and how it can contribute to disappointments in the relationships of daughters- and mothers-in-law. I also explore how drawing on stereotypes and unrealistic expectation of the mother-in-law can exacerbate negative family relationships.

Chapter 3 examines family power dynamics from the perspectives of Chinese American and Mexican American daughters-in-law. Findings indicate that childrearing is the most conflictual area for women and their mothers-in-law. When mothers-in-law offer unsolicited advice, some women interpret that as criticism. Many women want to change their mother-in-law's childcare methods; however, many feel they do not have the power to make such demands, especially those who rely on their mother-in-law for childcare. Spousal support is an important resource for women as some rely on their husband's authority to negotiate with their mother-in-law. Finally, despite possible conflicts, some women identify their mother-in-law as a source of support when she is perceived as willing to understand and help them work through marital problems.