Sources of conflict between mother in law and daughter in law: A case of Chivi District in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to assess the sources of conflict between the mother in law and the daughter in law in Chivi, Masvingo Province. A phenomenological design was used in the study. Eighteen participants composed of nine mothers in law and nine daughters in law took part in the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants. The study used interviews to collect the data. Thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Results of the study revealed that the kitchen, management of finances, parenting style, and witchcraft as the main sources of conflict between the mothers in law and the daughters in law. The study came up with the following strategies to reduce the conflict: counselling, separate living of the daughter in law and her mother in law as soon as possible and also daughters in law to seek employment to reduce continuous contact with the mother in law. The study came up with recommendations.