The moral economy of grandparenting

Authors:
ARTHUR Sue, SNAPE Dawn, DENCH Geoff
Journal article citation:
Generations Review, 13(2), April 2003, pp.10-12.
Publisher:
British Society of Gerontology

Reports on study arising out of the findings from a benchmark study of grandparenting, based on a module of questions within the British Social Attitudes Survey. The qualitative study was designed to interpret the survey findings and to understand the motivations for and possible limits to grandparental support. The sample consisted of 31 case study families, made up of 67 respondents. Interviews with four family members were carried out in four of the families and interviews with three family members in nine families. In total the sample consisted of 36 grandmothers, 20 mothers, and 11 fathers. The study explored also explored the different meanings and definitions that people attribute to the idea of family, as well as the different roles that family plays in different people's lives. The study suggests that grandmothers are seen as a positive option for childcare, but that there are a number of factors which may limit a grandmothers or parents wish for high levels of childcare. The study also suggests ways in which relationships between parents and grandparents can be managed to avoid tensions and misunderstandings that arise over grandparents' roles.

Subject terms:
interpersonal relationships, surveys, user views, child care, families, family relations, grandparents;
Content type:
research
Links:
Open access journal
Journal home page
ISSN print:
0965-2000

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