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Transition to grandmotherhood
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Grandmothers often focus on emotional connections with grandchildren, not just interaction. Family factors like distance and being a paternal grandmother can increase role ambiguity.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of the family
- Gerontology
- Social psychology
Background:
- Grandparenthood is a significant life role with evolving social dynamics.
- Understanding the grandmother role is crucial for family relationship studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore grandparenthood as a role relationship.
- To identify key factors influencing the grandmother role conception.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory qualitative study.
- Analysis of grandmother's descriptions of the transition to grandparenthood.
Main Results:
- Grandmothers emphasize emotional and symbolic investment over instrumental aspects.
- Role ambiguity is heightened by geographical distance.
- Paternal grandmothers experience more role ambiguity than maternal grandmothers.
Conclusions:
- Grandparental role conceptions are influenced by family network variables.
- Emotional connection is a primary focus for grandmothers.
- Societal and familial structures impact the experience of grandparenthood.