Grandparenthood
Conclusion
Grandparenthood has received more scholarly attention in the United States due to important demographic changes. Race and gender differences in grandparenthood have been observed. There is not a large body of literature on grandparenthood outside the United States or in cross-cultural contexts, but this topic should gain more attention in the near future. In general, the importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship is symbolic rather than functional. As the family structure changes, however, this relative importance seems to change in some segments of the population, particularly among the economically disadvantaged.
See also: ADOLESCENT PARENTHOOD; ADULTHOOD; CHILDCARE; DIVORCE: EFFECTS ON PARENTS; ELDERS; EXTENDED FAMILIES; FAMILISM; FAMILY ROLES; FATHERHOOD; FILIAL RESPONSIBILITY; GRANDPARENTS' RIGHTS; IN-LAW RELATIONSHIPS; INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING; INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS; INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION; LATER LIFE FAMILIES; MOTHERHOOD; RETIREMENT
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Other Resources
Administration on Aging. (2001). A Profile of Older Americans: 2001. In Administration on Aging. Available from http://www.aoa.gov/aoa/stats/profile/2001.
Anderson, R. N. (2001). "United States Life Tables, 1998." National Vital Statistics Reports: 48 (18). Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/nvsr/48/lifetables98.htm.
YOSHINORI KAMO
CHIZUKO WAKABAYASHI
Additional topics
Marriage and Family EncyclopediaRelatives & Extended FamilyGrandparenthood - Prevalence And Increasing Interest, Grandparenting Styles, Quality Of Relationship, Gender And Relationships, Demographic Factors And Grandparenthood