The influence of ecocultural contexts on Grandmaternal caregiving and Grandmother–Grandchild relationships

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines the cultural concept of grandmothers as caregivers and potential attachment figures for their grandchildren in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Specifically, we examined the influence of the grandmaternal co‐residence with grandchildren on their caregiving involvement and on the dyad's relationship formation. Semi‐structured interviews with 19 grandmothers of 14–28 months old infants were conducted. Findings revealed close grandmother–grandchild relationships and high grandmaternal involvement in child care, ranging from regular babysitting to functional parent roles. Co‐residing grandmothers shared most caregiving responsibilities with mothers and can represent important attachment figures for their grandchildren. Non‐co‐residing grandmothers were less involved and reported distributed responsibilities between grandmother and parents with clearly defined caregiving tasks and times. The results demonstrate the importance of the context when defining children's caregiving and attachment networks.