Grandparent—Grandchild Ties

Abstract

Within the context of social, demographic, and historical change and informed by a life course perspective, this article examines patterns of relating between grandparents and grandchildren within families across and within generations. Using qualitative data from a study of 10 multigenerational families ( N = 86), the analysis assesses continuity and change in grandparent—grandchild ties across three generations of adults. Although findings reveal change in social and family circumstances over time, half the families experienced considerable continuity in grandparent—grandchild ties and whether close or distant, were characterized by distinct grand cultures. In the remaining families, different configurations of individual, family-related, and social factors led to intra- and intergenerational variations. Divorce and remarriage influenced grandparent—grandchild relationships in most families, yielding highly variable outcomes. Ultimately, the study families' experiences demonstrate how social, historical, familial, and individual circumstances merge to influence grandparent—grandchild ties, producing behaviors ranging from loving and supportive to indifferent and abusive.