Stability and change in the intergenerational family: a convoy approach

Abstract

There have been fundamental changes in the intergenerational family, and yet families continue to be an important part of people's lives. We use the convoy model to describe the factors that influence supportive relations within intergenerational families, beginning with a description of the changing structure of the intergenerational family. We next outline support exchanges, detailing how personal characteristics, especially gender, race, age and socio-economic status, and situational characteristics, in particular family structure and intergenerational context, influence support exchanges. Instrumental and emotional family exchanges are described, with special attention to the unique circumstances of care-giving in intergenerational families. We also examine the importance of recognising differences in the quality of intergenerational relations, again noting the influence of personal and situational characteristics. Variations in support quality, e.g. positive, negative and ambivalent, and its influence on wellbeing are discussed. As families and individuals change, differences emerge at the individual, family and societal levels. We consider the implications of changes and stability in intergenerational relations and make recommendations about how best to envisage and plan future intergenerational family support. Societies with fewer resources as well as individuals and families with diverse individual histories must be innovative and creative in meeting the needs of older people as well as those of all family members.

Intergenerational Relations: The Views of Older Jews and Arabs

“…The gerontological literature emphasizes the importance of intergenerational relations and their implications for older people's physical and emotional well-being (Antonucci, Birditt, Sherman, & Trinh, 2011;Lowenstein, Katz, Mehlhausen-Hassoen, & Prilutzky, 2003;Silverstein et al, 2013). During recent decades, many countries, including Israel, have been facing changes in family generational structures (increasing number of living generations, decreasing geographic proximity), patterns of family behavior (declining rates of marriage and increasing rates of divorce), and family life styles (increased rates of single parenthood, cohabitation, and living apart together).…”

Work, career, age and life-stage: assumptions and preferences of a multigenerational workforce

“…Intergenerational relations theory and policy have also been the focus of research regarding family dynamics (Costanzo and Hoy 2007). Other studies from this field including work by Antonucci, Jackson, and Biggs (2007), Biggs (2007), Biggs, Philipson, Leach, and Money (2007), Biggs (2008), Biggs, Haapala, and Lowenstein (2011) and Antonucci et al (2011) are useful to assist with understanding the broader social relationships as well as intergenerational working relationships.…”

“…The 'convoy' model described by Antonucci et al (2011) explains how individuals 'move through time and space' as part of a social (family) group that provides support and protection and adapts to changing needs across their lifespan. The nature of intergenerational relationships may influence interpersonal dynamics at work.…”

La modernización social de la vejez en España

“…Una cuestión de sumo interés para la sociología son las relaciones intergeneracionales que se desarrollan en un contexto familiar sometido a profundos cambios (Antonucci et al 2011;Monserud 2008;Bengtson 2001). Entre otros aspectos se ha destacado que en los países occidentales los miembros de las distintas generaciones coexisten cada vez durante más tiempo, merced a la creciente esperanza de vida, pero conviven menos (López Doblas y Díaz Conde 2009).…”