It's important to note that not all mothers-in-law degrade their son's wife, and generalizing such behavior can be unfair. However, when it does occur, there can be various underlying reasons behind this behavior. Some possible explanations include:
Insecurity: The mother-in-law might feel threatened or insecure about her role in her son's life after he gets married. She may fear losing her influence or not being as important to her son as before.
Control Issues: Some mothers may have difficulty letting go of the control they had over their son's life, and they may view the wife as competition for their son's attention and affection.
Unmet Expectations: The mother-in-law might have specific expectations about the kind of person her son should marry, and if the wife doesn't meet these expectations, she may express disapproval.
Cultural or Traditions Differences: Cultural or traditional beliefs can sometimes lead to clashes between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, as they may have different expectations and perspectives on various aspects of married life.
Past Relationship Issues: If the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had conflicts or issues before the marriage, those feelings may continue to impact their relationship.
Fear of Change: The mother-in-law might struggle to accept the changes that come with her son's marriage, and her negative behavior could be a way of coping with those changes.
Mental Health Issues: In some cases, the mother-in-law's behavior may be influenced by underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders.
Communication Problems: Miscommunication or misunderstandings can lead to negative perceptions and behaviors between the two individuals.
It's important to address such issues with empathy and open communication. Both the husband and the wife can play a role in fostering a healthy relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Setting clear boundaries, maintaining respect, and addressing conflicts calmly and constructively can go a long way in improving the situation.
If the behavior becomes severe, persistent, or emotionally damaging, seeking the assistance of a family counselor or therapist might be beneficial to work through the issues and improve family dynamics.