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In-Law Relationships in Evolutionary Perspective: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
1Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Sociology
|June 21, 2021
Summary
In-law relationships have both benefits and conflicts. A study in Bangladesh suggests mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts may increase mortality risks for both parties.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Anthropology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Social Biology
Background:
- In-law relationships are analyzed through the lens of inclusive fitness, where shared descendants link relatives.
- Theoretical models sometimes oversimplify the inclusive fitness value of affinal (marital) relatives compared to genetic relatives.
- Conflicts in in-law relationships differ from those among genetic relatives, involving issues like fidelity, divorce, and resource allocation to distinct natal kin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual nature of in-law relationships, encompassing both cooperation and conflict.
- To critically evaluate existing theoretical models comparing genetic and affinal kinship in terms of inclusive fitness.
- To investigate the potential link between mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict and mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of inclusive fitness in genetic versus affinal relationships.
- Review of conflict dynamics specific to marital kin.
- Pilot study conducted in Bangladesh examining mortality data in relation to mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships.
Main Results:
- Inclusive fitness calculations for affinal relatives are complex due to potential divergence in genetic interests and distinct nepotistic avenues.
- Conflicts among marital relatives center on issues such as paternity certainty, marital stability, and investment in separate family lines.
- Preliminary findings from Bangladesh indicate that mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict may be associated with increased mortality, potentially affecting both individuals.
Conclusions:
- In-law relationships present unique evolutionary dynamics distinct from those of genetic relatives.
- Mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts may have significant, potentially lethal, consequences.
- Further research is needed to replicate and expand upon these findings regarding mortality and in-law conflict.
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