Families and Intergenerational Relationships in Aging Societies

Bengtson, Vern L.; Giarrusso, Roseann; Silverstein, Merril; Wang, Haitao

doi:10.2190/ha2.1.a

Cited by 41 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…One consistent result concerns the high levels of affectual solidarity (reflecting the emotional bonds between the generations) that have been found over six times of measurement, from 1971 to 1997 Bengtson, Giarrusso, Silverstein, and Wang, 2000). We find that average solidarity scores between grandparents and parents, parents and youth, grandparents and grandchildren are high, considerably above the expected midpoint of the scale.…”

Section: Research On Microgens Solidarity and Conflictsupporting

confidence: 78%

Intergenerational Solidarity and Conflict

Bengtson¹,

Oyama²

2010

Intergenerational Solidarity

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In this paper we attempt to define the sociological parameters of intergenerational solidarity. We argue that social cohesion between generations is influenced by affectual, associational, consensual, functional, normative, and structural factors that operate at both the macro social level of society and groups-what we call "macrogens"-and at the micro social level of families and individuals-our term is "microgens." Similarly we argue that it is impossible to discuss intergenerational solidarity without considering its opposite, conflict, and vice versa. On the basis of the evidence reviewed, it does not appear that there will be marked generational conflict in the future, and it is likely that intergenerational solidarity and altruism will remain present at high levels.

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Section: Research On Microgens Solidarity and Conflictsupporting

confidence: 78%

Intergenerational Solidarity and Conflict

Bengtson¹,

Oyama²

2010

Intergenerational Solidarity

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“…With the increase in life expectancy and shrinking family size, the increase of dual-earner households, and the increase in multiple generation families, researchers are interested in examining caregiving issues among the aging population (Biegel, Sales, & Schulz, 1991;Bengtson, Giarrusso, Silverstein, & Wang, 2000;Hodgson, 1998;Price & Rose, 2000;Stephens & Franks, 1999). In 2000, over 26% of adults provided care to chronically ill, disabled, or aged family members (National Family Caregivers Association, 2003) making that nearly one out of four adults (Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2002).…”

Section: Background Of the Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The increase in life expectancy, smaller families having longer adult relationships, and an increase in multiple generation families have contributed to the interest in examining caregiving issues among the aging population (Bengtson, Giarrusso, Silverstein, & Wang, 2000;Hodgson, 1998;Stevens & Franks, 1999).…”

Section: Justification Of Projectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Grandchildren's Perceptions of Caring for Grandparents

Fruhauf

Jarrott²,

Allen

2006

Journal of Family Issues

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Throughout the life course, all family members can expect to find themselves in some type of caregiving role. Individuals may find themselves providing care for a child or for an older family member who needs assistance. With the increase in life expectancy and the shrinking family size, individuals may find themselves spending time providing care to older family members. Despite the fact that caregiving related issues are well researched in the field of gerontology, the developmental experiences of grandchildren caregivers and the meanings of their caregiving experiences have not been explored in previous empirical work.Influenced by symbolic interactionism theory and the life course and life-span perspectives, the research questions that guide this study are: What is the nature of caregiving from the perspectives of grandchildren in the grandparent-grandchild relationship? What meanings do grandchildren give to the caregiving role? A qualitative study was conducted to examine the experiences of adult grandchildren (21-29 years old) who were currently providing some type of care-related activity for at least one grandparent. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews, lasting 30-80 minutes, with 17 grandchildren caregivers were conducted one time to examine the participants' caregiving experience. All interviews were completed at a location of the participants' choice. Interviews were tape-recorded and tapes were transcribed verbatim to aid in data analysis. Grandchildren caregivers' experiences illustrate variation with the reasons for providing care and the amount of time engaged in care related activities. Grandchildren were assisting with instrumental activities of daily living and activities of daily living.Reasons for providing care included grandparents' chronic illness or gradual aging, a crisis or event that left grandparents needing assistance, and because they had been providing care since they were young children. The amount of time grandchildren engaged in care related activities ranged from daily to several hours a week during summer and winter breaks. Grandchildren caregivers reported that family values, making iii grandparents happy, and preparing for the future were how they made sense of their role.Grandchildren experienced benefits and drawbacks from assisting grandparents and discussed how parents served as mediators and distracters to their caregiving role.Grandchildren caregivers exhibited the ability to adapt to caregiving situations and develop coping mechanisms that allowed them to be successful caregivers. Service professionals may want to include grandchildren caregivers in established support groups, caregiver programs, and enhance caregiver resources to support the generational needs of grandchildren caregivers in their 20s.iv To my grandparents, with love

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“…In response to the changing demographic portrait of the United States, numerous studies have explored the patterns and correlates of intergenerational aid, including financial assistance and co-residence, and the attitudes and values that may influence such familial support [7][8][9][10]. Prior theory and research have identified a number of influences on norms and attitudes regarding intergenerational exchange.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prior theory and research have identified a number of influences on norms and attitudes regarding intergenerational exchange. A partial list of these factors includes emotional attachment, proximity, and frequent interaction among family members, as well as resource availability and perceptions that previous exchanges have been reciprocal [8,9,11,12]. Parental divorce and remarriage in late life also appear to influence norms and practices of intergenerational assistance [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Religion, Race/Ethnicity, and Norms of Intergenerational Assistance among Older Adults

Ellison

2015

Religions

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Using data on adults ages 55 and over from the second wave of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH-2), this study models the main and interactive effects of religious involvement and race/ethnicity on four items of attitudes towards intergenerational assistance. Results indicate that African Americans and Hispanics tend to express stronger support for intergenerational assistance than non-Hispanic Whites. Conservative Protestants, Mormons, and Catholics are more likely than others to believe that adult children should offer co-residence to their aging parents. In addition, theological conservatism is positively associated with support for each type of intergenerational aid, and the net effect of theological conservatism is stronger for African Americans than for non-Hispanic Whites. However, religious attendance is statistically unrelated to norms of intergenerational assistance. It is concluded that religious factors are important in shaping norms of intergenerational support, particularly within minority communities.

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Families and Intergenerational Relationships in Aging Societies

Cited by 41 publications

References 4 publications

Intergenerational Solidarity and Conflict

Intergenerational Solidarity and Conflict

Grandchildren's Perceptions of Caring for Grandparents

Religion, Race/Ethnicity, and Norms of Intergenerational Assistance among Older Adults

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