Grandparenting in the 21st Century: Issues of Diversity in Grandparent–Grandchild Relationships

Abstract

Although previous literature has demonstrated the importance of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in understanding grandparent–grandchild relationships, additional factors contribute to a more complete and nuanced understanding of multigenerational relationships. Thorough understanding of the role of diversity requires examination of the discrete impacts of grandparents' gender, sexual orientation, and physical and/or cognitive limitations on the relationship.This article focuses on these 3 important, yet overlooked, issues of diversity, with a focus on strength-based and empowerment-oriented strategies and their implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Keywords:

• Grandparenthood
• grandchildren
• caregiving
• grandfathers
• gay and lesbian elders
• family diversity