Prince Chakrabongse, when he brought home a Russian wife, faced opposition
from his mother, who upbraided her son and so made his bride’s position a
difficult one.2o She should have received her daughter-in-law on arrival by
social tradition; but as a woman she did not wish to, and there was an end to
it. A year later, however, she softened and did receive the foreign daughter-inlaw.
Where social structure is “close”-that is, where the behavior of the people
conforms closely to the formal social patterns of human relations, as in Japanit
is difficult for an individual to deviate, and reciprocal rights and duties are
clearly marked and carried out. Under such conditions, a foreign bride may not
be approved, but once she becomes a member of the family, then the forms
at least will be observed. The mother would receive her even though it hurt
to do so. In Siamese society it is relatively easy to achieve a jait accompli by
doing something not approved by other members of the group. But in so doing
one does not necessarily achieve the acceptance of the others. The “accomplished
fact” does not accomplish much.