Grandmotherhood: A Study of Role Conceptions

Abstract

This research reports on the significance of grandmotherhood to an area probability sample of 125 females, most of whom were grandmothers, age 70 or over. Information reported in this paper was obtained from their responses to a series of highlystructured and open-ended questions administered by trained interviewers. The paper describes the development of a typology which was designed to identify, describe, and test four distinct types of grandparenting. Scores on attitudes, expectations, and behaviors derived from the context of two independent, but not mutually exclusive, dimensions reflecting normative and personal orientations provided the major criteria for classifying the subjects into one offour role types. Role types are discussed and qualitative data which were obtained from the subjects are used to reinforce quantitative descriptions. The findings indicate: (1) grandparenting types are predicted by life style; (2) behaviors engaged in, that is, actions carried out in acting the grandmother role revolve primarily around babysitting, home recreation, and drop-in visits--mostly those initiated by the parent or by the grandchild; and (3) grandmotherhood is a role which is actively enjoyed by 80 percent of the respondents and for many (37 percent) it is more enjoyable than parenting because it provides easy joy and pleasure without the socialization responsibilities associated with parenthood. Grandmotherhood is a topic which evokes considerable interest and speculation among researchers and the general public, but few facts exist to verify most of the speculation. The information that is available comes from