The Accommodation of Communication in the Family as an Adjustment of Cultural Values between Generations

Abstract

Marriage is a cultural heritage based on a social system that forms certain habits. Generational differences in families often lead to diverse orientations and values regarding wedding rituals. Both mothers and daughters undertake Javanese marriage preparation, which may conflict with what they desire the marriage ceremony to include. These relationships are conflictual in preparing for the event because they involve two generations. This study aims to explore the communication that occurs between mothers and daughters in preparation for a wedding and is analyzed through a communication accommodation process lens. This study uses a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews and observation as data collection techniques. A data analysis is conducted using thematic analysis techniques. The results indicate the existence of two contexts: the communication accommodation that takes place produces convergence that can solve problems between generations, and generational differences caused by changes in social culture cause differences in communication styles. The findings indicate that (1) marriage is a synchronous part of socializing for both mothers and daughters and (2) the emerging differences refer more to technical aspects. These findings show differences between generations in interpreting various things related to traditional weddings.

Keywords

• communication accommodation
• wedding ceremony
• Javanese family
• social approval