The relationship between parents whose children are married to each other — your child's spouse's parent. A specific kinship term that recognizes this unique family connection.
From Latin 'con-' (with, together) + 'socer' (father-in-law), literally meaning 'co-father-in-law.' This word exists in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, showing how Romance languages preserved this specific family relationship that English never formally named. It acknowledges that when your children marry, you gain not just an in-law, but a co-parent figure.
Wait until you realize English has NO word for this incredibly important relationship! When your daughter marries someone, you and their parents become... what? Co-in-laws? Fellow grandparents-to-be? Spanish just says 'consuegros' and everyone knows exactly what that means. It's such a thoughtful recognition that marriage creates connections between entire families, not just couples. We desperately need this word in English!
Term exists for father of one's child's spouse. Historical asymmetry: women in similar roles historically had less defined kinship status, reflecting patrilineal property transfer priorities.
Use gender-neutral alternatives or specify: 'spouse's parent' or 'my child's spouse's parent' to avoid assuming patrilineal primacy.
["spouse's parent","child's spouse's parent","in-law relation (neutral)"]
Women's kinship roles were historically invisible in naming systems; modern usage should acknowledge mutual relationship rather than patrilineal hierarchy.
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