조선전기 고부관계의 변화양상 －종법의 수용과정을 중심으로－

Abstract

Relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in Korea have been identified as relationships of conflict. This kind of conflict was exacerbated by sijibsali (living in the husband’s house) of daughters-in-law in the system of clan rules (宗法) in the later Joseon dynasty period. Then what was it like in the earlier Joseon dynasty period, which is known for such strong clan rules, were these relations not settled firmly? The scholar-officials (士大夫) of the earlier Joseon dynasty tried to establish clan rules based on the Family Rites of ChuZi, but it did not fit into the actual social system of that period. In the earlier Joseon dynasty period, a bridegroom usually lived in his bride’s home and had a special intimate relationship with his bride’s family. Such a non-patrilineal family system enabled a fair division of legacy and rotational services, regardless of gender. Through that system, women could have a more secure status. A mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law lived together for a relatively short period of time, so there were fewer reasons for a conflict. A daughter-in-law could have a more secure status through a stable relationship with her old home. Also, due to the tendency of marriage between alumni or regional social acquaintances, couples could easily share intimacy between each other, so there were few reasons for conflict. However, during the rein of King Jungjong, conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law started to arise because of arguments about the succession of ancestor worship. In the earlier Joseon dynasty period, a chongbu (the wife of the eldest son) was treated like a daughter, and after the death of her husband, she usually had the right to practice ancestor worship and to adopt a foster son. However, as role of male members of a family continued to be emphasized, sometimes they became a threat to the succession of ancestor worship. So, the mother-in-law’s rights were increasingly strengthened. A chongbu would try to have a son and to adopt her favorite foster son for the sake of her status. As conflict went on, the power of the daughter-in-law waned. On the other side, the power of the mother-in-law became stronger. This increase of the mother-in-law’s power showed itself in a different format from that of the Family Rites of ChuZi. After the death of father, it seemed that a mother and housewife inherited the right to practice ancestor worship. The mother’s rights became increasingly similar to the chongbu’s right of the earlier Joseon dynasty period. As clan rules were founded firmly, the chongbu, who was supposed to have a son for their status, could establish strong power based on the former rights of the chongbu. As clan rules became stronger, however, women gradually lost their right to practice ancestor worship.