The New American Grandparent: A Place in the Family, A Life Apart

by Andrew J. Cherlin, Frank F. Furstenberg Jr.

Overview

Two leading sociologists of the family examine the changing role of American grandparents—how they strive for both independence and family ties.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674029484
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	07/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
Lexile:	1280L (what's this?)
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Frank F. Furstenberg is the Zellerbach Family Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania

Table of Contents

CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
1 Introduction
2 The Modernization of Grandparenthood
3 Styles of Grandparenting
4 Grandparental Careers
5 Variations
6 A Special Case: Grandparents and Divorce
7 The Influence of Grandparents on Grandchildren
8 The Future of Grandparenthood
APPENDICES
NOTES
INDEX

Editorial Reviews

The increase in the life expectancy of the average American has finally resulted in a growth of studies about grandparents. These two family sociologists conducted a telephone survey of over 500 grandparents nationwide in order to gain a better understanding of the nature of grandparenthood in today's society. One particular focus of the survey was the way in which the increased divorce rate in the middle generation has altered the grandparent role, making it more substantial. The survey results are not surprising, but the representativeness of the sample will probably make it a standard in the field. Recommended. Robin B. Devin, Univ. of Rhode Island Lib., Kingston

Library Journal

A comprehensive and intriguing portrait of grandparenting in America today.

Maggie Scarf

Lively and down-to-earth, this authoritative book should interest all thoughtful adults… For most grandparents, this book shows, the great challenge is how to maintain family ties, but not at the cost of independence and autonomy.

Matilda White Riley

A sensitive, compassionate, and finely grained portrait of grandparenthood in contemporary American society. Cherlin and Furstenberg are to be congratulated for entering this arena of kin relations, which has, until now, been almost completely neglected.

Lillian B. Rubin

Superb—a fascinating, beautifully written exploration of an important but neglected aspect of contemporary social life. This book represents the sociological imagination and social research at its best.

Vern L. Bengston