Unravelling Family Dynamics: Exploring Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships in Australian Farming Families

Innovation Showcase
Karen Cosgrove,  Abigail Cook Singh  

In examining the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law the focus of analysis, this study seeks to deepen our understanding of the position of women and their relationships in farming families. Participants included mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law who are currently living, or who have, previously lived on family farms across Australia. The analysis was based on a longitudinal study where rich material was collected from interviews, emails, letters, poetry, and workshops. By focusing on these relationships, the study revealed experiences that were not only extraordinary but also shaped individual self-perception. These relationships influenced family dynamics and the construction of social and labour relations within the family farm system. The research underscores the complexities of these often dynamic and fluid relationships and their significant impact on family relations and farm businesses.