Local In-Laws in Binational Families with Low Income

Abstract

Binational families formed between a Singaporean and a non-citizen make up a significant part of Singapore’s social fabric. Local in-laws often feature as the only physically present extended family of binational families, especially in families with low income. Yet, little is known of this key source of support. As such, this study examines the local in-law relationship quality and experience of support provided by parents-in-law and siblings-in-law through semi-structured in-depth interviews with eighteen China-national foreign spouses. Most participants shared positive relationships with their local in-laws. Almost all participants received support from local in-laws, such as child-related support and practical assistance, with varied appraisal. The associations between support appraisal, relationship quality and attribution of local in-laws’ motivations are reconciled within a framework. Social service practitioners and policy makers can consider local in-laws in assessing the assets and vulnerability of foreign spouses, and in marriage preparation and integration programmes for binational couples.