Reciprocity in Relationships and Support Between Grandparents and Grandchildren: An Icelandic Example

Abstract

This study explores and discusses the relationships between grandchildren and grandparents with an emphasis on the reciprocal, practical, emotional, and financial support that is provided between generations. Two independent surveys were conducted in Iceland, one of grandparents aged 65 years and older (n = 206) and one of grandchildren among college students (n = 648). The questions used were the same. The results indicated that there is a certain consistency in the pattern of views of the younger toward the older generation and the other way around. These findings are discussed in relation to family development and the value of intergenerational relationships and support.

Keywords:

• intergenerational relationships
• grandparents
• grandchildren
• gender
• family support

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants from the Nordic Centre of Excellence: Reassessing the Nordic Welfare Model, which is funded by NordForsk, the University of Iceland Research Fund, Faculty of Social Work at the University of Iceland, the Geriatric Council of Iceland, and the Icelandic Geriatrics Society. We would like to thank Bo Malmberg, Ingemar Kåreholt, and Marie Ernsth Bravell at the Institute of Gerontology, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Sweden, and Ásdís Arnalds at the Social Science Research Institute, University of Iceland, for critical reading of the manuscript and for statistical assistance.

Notes

1. In relation to the European year for active aging and solidarity between generations 2012, interest in intergenerational relationships has gained more attention among researchers and clinicians. For further information, see http://europa.eu/ey2012/ey2012main.jsp?catId=971&langId=en.