Normative and functional dimension of intergenerational solidarity in the narratives of young mothers

Abstract

The paper analyses subjective expirience of normative and functional intergenerational solidarity dimensions trough young mother?s narratives on the expected and obtained assistance and support from their parents. Analysis had two goals. The first, a descriptive goal was to identify and describe 1. patterns of young mother?s expectations and 2. received help from their parents. The second goal was to ascertain the script standing behind expectations and received support. The sample consisted of twelve women - thirty years old mothers. With them was conducted semi structured interview. Gathered stories were interpreted using qualitative analysis. The findings show that respondents are counting on help from their parents. Expectations are based on a script about parenting as a heroic sacrifice and determined by the role of parents. Mothers are the dominant providers of assistance and support. They are asked to help with the children, in the housework, to provide emotional support and understanding. Fathers have an instrumental role - they are expected and provide material assistance. Recived support respondents perceived either as: full or sacrificing, dosed or assistance on call, and insufficient help. Expected and obtained kind in a large extent depends on the education, residency and employment status, and the degree of husband?s involvement in the housework and taking care of children. Indirectly, narrative analysis indicates a strong traditionalism in young mothers families.