Overview

Marriage is a major step in a relationship, and each member of that newly joined pair brings with them their own existing family and the corresponding complexity and richness of in-law relationships. These are multi-generational, multi-layered, and, like a kaleidoscope, a shifting amalgam of emotional colors. Exceptionally important, in-law relationships can be joyous and comforting. They can also be complicated, contentious, and disappointing. These ties serve as a model for how to stay connected across generations for the well-being of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren, and as a bellwether for what to avoid. Drawing on interviews and survey data with more than 1,500 mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law, the book describes how these complicated and highly significant relationships develop over time. Geoffrey L. Greif and Michael E. Woolley focus on the relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law as well as fathers-in-law with sons-in-law. They describe the struggles as well as the triumphs that people encounter with these relationships from the perspectives of both generations and suggest ways to improve the relationships. To improve in-law relationships, Greif and Woolley present action-oriented family therapy theories based on the insight, communication, boundary building, and narratives that family members wish to create. They also explore how these relationships change with the normal transitions of marrying into the family, having children/grandchildren, and aging. In-law Relationships describes highly successful and nurturing connections as well as those that are troubled and distant. The resulting book offers a variety of clinical lenses to help readers of all backgrounds focus on and, if needed, repair in-law relationships.

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9780190928131

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Reviews

In-law relationships are an under-researched area, yet these relationships are hugely important and can make or break a marriage. Based on a large sample of in-laws, the authors unpack the different aspects of the relationships from the views of different participants. They explore the big question, such as: How can one enter a new family while maintaining a sense of self-identity and a loyalty to one's own family of origin? The book is full of powerful insights, and I strongly recommend it to family scholars, therapists, and even individuals who may be struggling to make sense of a new family. * Ann Buchanan, MBE, FAcSS, LLD, PhD, MA, Senior Research Associate for the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford and coeditor of Brothers and Sisters * I love the focus in this book on the wide array of in-law relationships - not just the negative and stereotypical ones, but relationships as they occur across a lifetime. The book does a good job noting the relationships and dynamics between men, which is easily looked over in discussions of in-law relationships. Whether you've just proposed to your fiance, you're a new parent, you're a grandfather of six, or you're a clinical professional, this book is for you. * Christine E. Rittenour, PhD, Associate Professor in the Communication Studies Department and Faculty Associate of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies, West Virginia University * This book includes incredibly new information. The authors review what is already known, of course, but then they highlight the gaps by looking from a family-systems prospective, paying attention to male in-laws, dynamics between gay/lesbian couples and their in-laws, and the impact in-laws play in divorce. A particular bonus is the various different family therapy orientations for dealing with, confronting, and potentially mending and growing each relationship. * Karen Gail Lewis, EdD, Licensed Therapist and author of Siblings: The Ghosts of Childhood That Haunt Your Love and Work *

This book includes incredibly new information. The authors review what is already known, of course, but then they highlight the gaps by looking from a family-systems prospective, paying attention to male in-laws, dynamics between gay/lesbian couples and their in-laws, and the impact in-laws play in divorce. A particular bonus is the various different family therapy orientations for dealing with, confronting, and potentially mending and growing each relationship. * Karen Gail Lewis, EdD, Licensed Therapist and author of Siblings: The Ghosts of Childhood That Haunt Your Love and Work * I love the focus in this book on the wide array of in-law relationships - not just the negative and stereotypical ones, but relationships as they occur across a lifetime. The book does a good job noting the relationships and dynamics between men, which is easily looked over in discussions of in-law relationships. Whether you've just proposed to your fiance, you're a new parent, you're a grandfather of six, or you're a clinical professional, this book is for you. * Christine E. Rittenour, PhD, Associate Professor in the Communication Studies Department and Faculty Associate of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies, West Virginia University * In-law relationships are an under-researched area, yet these relationships are hugely important and can make or break a marriage. Based on a large sample of in-laws, the authors unpack the different aspects of the relationships from the views of different participants. They explore the big question, such as: How can one enter a new family while maintaining a sense of self-identity and a loyalty to one's own family of origin? The book is full of powerful insights, and I strongly recommend it to family scholars, therapists, and even individuals who may be struggling to make sense of a new family. * Ann Buchanan, MBE, FAcSS, LLD, PhD, MA, Senior Research Associate for the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford and coeditor of Brothers and Sisters *

This book includes incredibly new information. Authors review what is already known, of course, but then they highlight the gaps by looking from a family-systems prospective, paying attention to male in-laws, dynamics between gay/lesbian couples and their in-laws, and the impact in-laws play in divorce. A particular bonus is the various different family therapy orientations for dealing with, confronting, and potentially mending and growing each relationship. -- Karen Gail Lewis, EdD, Licensed Therapist and author of Siblings: The Ghosts of Childhood That Haunt Your Love and Work I love the focus in this book on the wide array of in-law relationships not just the negative and stereotypical ones, but relationships as they occur across a lifetime. The book does a good job noting the relationships and dynamics between men, which is easily looked over in discussions of in-law relationships. Whether you've just proposed to your fianc , you're a new parent, you're a grandfather of six, or you're a clinical professional, this book is for you. -- Christine E. Rittenour, PhD, Associate Professor for the Communication Studies Department and Faculty Associate of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies, West Virginia University In-law relationships are an under-researched area, yet these relationships are hugely important and can make or break a marriage. Based on large sample of in-laws, the authors unpick the different aspects of the relationships from the views of different participants. They explore the big question, such as: How can one enter a new family while maintaining a sense of self-identity and a loyalty to one's own family of origin? The book is full of powerful insights, and I strongly recommend it to family scholars, therapists, and even individuals who may be struggling to make sense of a new family. -- Ann Buchanan, MBE, FAcSS, LLD, PhD, MA, Senior Research Associate for the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford and coeditor of Brothers and Sisters

Author Information

Geoffrey L. Greif, PhD, is Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, where he has been teaching courses on family, group, and individual therapy for over 35 years. He is the author of numerous articles, book chapters, and books, including Buddy System: Understanding Male Friendships and Adult Sibling Relationships (with Michael Woolley). Michael E. Woolley, PhD, MSW, DCSW, is Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Woolley was a clinical social worker in mental health, health, and school settings for a dozen years before completing his doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and moving into academia in 2003. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and scholarship and has published books, articles, and book chapters on social work practice with children, youth, and families.

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