Grandparenting in the 21st century: issues of diversity in grandparent-grandchild relationships

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2010 Nov;53(8):682-701. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2010.516804.

Abstract

Although previous literature has demonstrated the importance of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in understanding grandparent-grandchild relationships, additional factors contribute to a more complete and nuanced understanding of multigenerational relationships. Thorough understanding of the role of diversity requires examination of the discrete impacts of grandparents' gender, sexual orientation, and physical and/or cognitive limitations on the relationship. This article focuses on these 3 important, yet overlooked, issues of diversity, with a focus on strength-based and empowerment-oriented strategies and their implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers
  • Cognition Disorders / complications
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations*
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Behavior