Untitled

Abstract

This study was purposed to investigate conflicts between generations in mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in Korean society. In-law conflict has been existed in each family all over the world but it is only matter of seriousness. Mother-in-law tensions particularly brought day-to-day problems with daughter-in-law. A Korean talk show titled as Welcome to the Mother-in-Law dealt with this everyday controversy between them. The authors concerned and selected it as a main research object for analysis as it appeared to represent many Korean traditional characteristics. The common characteristics in Korea culture was traditional hierarchy in the family structure.Unease feelings amongst family members often prevailed owing to the conflicting nature of the hierarchical relationship between them. Many episodes of this talk show were analyzed through integrated model consisting of semiotic methods including: categorization, discourse analysis, myth analysis, and ideology derived. As some result, this study revealed an implicit ideology centered on the opposition thought processes. Patriarchal and filial duty ideology was dominantly located in the mother-in-law's thought. Meanwhile, gender equality and rationalism ideology was dominantly located in the daughter-in-law's thought. Difference in values, resulting from opposed ideologies, could also explain why intergenerational disputes and conflicts occurs. It could be inferred that there was a potential possibility for further conflicts around the issues of traditional patriarchal practices and gender inequality as well as different attitudes held by different generations in a family. In short, even though this talk show could not provide some suggestions to resolve such conflicts between them, it could be worthwhile to uncover serious problems between them.