The specific topic of the research is same-sex in law relationships.

The objectives of this study are to learn the nature of same sex in-law relationships (mother-in-law/daughter-in-law and father-in-law/soon-in-law) across the adult lifespan from the perspective of the child-in-law and the parent-in-law.

To understand the functioning of in-law relationships, we will first place them in the larger context of marriage and family. Such a framework can help place the findings from the interviews in a sociological and clinical context.

While some research exists on mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, little has been conducted on fathers-in-law and sons-in-law, necessitating a greater reliance on both clinical theory and on qualitative research.

A mixed-methods approach will be used.

[Note: At this beginning stage of the research, partnerships are not being considered the same as marriages. Same-sex marriages are included.]

Resources

Article 1 : Ambivalence in Gay and Lesbian Family Relationships By Corinne Reczek

Article 2 : Stay away, but I may need your help! Mate choice and manipulation of prospective parents-in-law By MENELAOS APOSTOLOU