Relationship-Specific Closeness of Intergenerational Family Ties

Abstract

Cross-generational cultural transmission is facilitated by affectional ties between cultural model and recipient. A theory of cultural transmission must therefore account for how and why affectional ties vary between different dyadic relationships. Findings on the tie strengths of several intergenerational kin dyads (grandparent- grandchild, grandparent-parent, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew) as rated by recipients of kin investment (adult grandchildren or nieces/nephews) are presented, based on several studies with altogether more than 3,000 participants between 16 and 80 years old. The relationship structures were dyad specific; asymmetrical with a tilt to the maternal side; robust; and predictable from reproductively relevant variables of the kinpersons involved, namely, sex-specific reproductive strategy, paternity uncertainty, and genetic closeness. Implications for the study of intrafamilial cultural transmission are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of evolutionary theory for this research field.