It has been quite interesting to prepare for the research. Women in-laws are relating within a microcosm of being female, against a larger context of culture, time, and usually, patriarchy. I never stopped to think about how many factors influence a relationship before it even gets started, especially with a trio of women in stereotyped roles.
Personal factors would include one's own mother - is she alive? if not, when did she pass away and how old were you? what was the general tone of the relationship with her? with other-mothers e.g. aunts, grandmothers, mothers of friends?
It feels like the general "role" of mother, to me, was always very positive. This doesn't mean that there weren't conflicts, misunderstandings, or rebellions, but that the overall grounding of being a mother normally implied a sense of love and commitment. Malice of intent or other abuse were not unheard of, but rarely touched my growing years with personal knowledge or experience. I was lucky then and grateful now.
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