Grandparenting in the United States

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Family Studies
• Gerontology

Background:

• Growing diversity in grandparenting arrangements across the United States.
• Increasing need for grandchild care and assistance.
• Limited federal and employer support for working families.

Purpose of the Study:

• Explore the intensification of grandparenting.
• Examine diverse grandparenting arrangements (coresidential, custodial, long-distance, transnational).
• Assess the impact of grandparenting on grandparents' well-being.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical perspectives: exchange and reciprocity, feminist, political economic.
• Assessment of sociodemographic trends (single parenting, grandparent employment).
• Analysis of proximity in grandparenting relationships.

Main Results:

• Grandparenting is intensifying due to societal trends.
• Diverse proximity arrangements present unique challenges and pleasures.
• Grandparenting significantly impacts emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

Conclusions:

• Grandparenting is a complex, multifaceted role influenced by societal factors.
• Understanding diverse grandparenting dynamics is crucial for supporting families.
• Further research needed on the long-term well-being of grandparents.