Grandchildhood : Care and relationality in narratives of three generations in Sweden

• While the role of grandparents has increasingly been explored, the position of being a grandchild is under-researched. Recognising the active role of children in intergenerational care relationships, we analyse narratives of being a grandchild in Sweden in the 1940s–1950s, the 1970s–1980s, and today. Interviews with 63 participants of both genders show how conditions for care-doings change in response to welfare state developments and in relation to new ideals of childhood. Intensified engagements by grandparents in the life of grandchildren are identified, but also continuity in the significance of close and reciprocal relationships between grandchildren and grandparents.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

grandchildren

grandchildhood

care

generation

relationality

welfare state

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)