This paper reflected on Korean family cultural history and found the main factor causing the chronic conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was the male-centered patriarchal culture that does not fully regard women as human beings with uni...
This paper reflected on Korean family cultural history and found the main factor causing the chronic conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was the male-centered patriarchal culture that does not fully regard women as human beings with unique and important personalities. Women are treated as supporters or helpers of men, and not as leaders or initiators on their own. They are isolated from each other and from their families and larger communities at every level, and they must endure great suffering. Correction of specific sociological, theological, and psychological misconceptions enables pastoral counselors to present alternatives that can help reconcile mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. One misconception considers a woman’s weaker physical strength and physical size as adequate reason to treat them as inferiors in every way. Another misconception considers women naturally more tender and submissive than men, thus naturally dependent on them and unable to fully take care of themselves or have achievements similar to those of men. In terms of these ideas on womam’s position, the entire society on women’s idea should be transformed into positive aspect that woman is person as well as human being. Man should accept woman as equal and fair partnerto expand the world of God. It means woman and man should cooperate to establish and flower in family as well as society.