The Kinkeeping Connection: Continuity, Crisis and Consensus

Abstract

With increasing diversity in age structure, composition, and forms within American families, it is more important than ever to explore the glue that binds families together across time, distance, and divorce: family kinkeeping. The present study examines the reported kinkeeping patterns for 227 three-generation families, including data from young adult undergraduates, 215 mothers, and 158 fathers about themselves, one another, and any living grandparents. Confirmation of a theoretical, “matrifocal tilt” is found along with considerable consensus between family members about levels of kinkeeping. Limited support is found for a disruption of family kinkeeping due to parental divorce.

Keywords:

• kinkeeping
• intergenerational relationships
• intergenerational solidarity
• divorce