C1 SB - Families & Relationships - Topic 11, Roles & relationships between grandparents, parents and children

Question 1

Grundy & Henrietta (2006) - Demands on family members

Answer 1

‘Sandwich generation’ - older middle aged people have to look after older relatives and younger adults in the family

Question 2

Brannen (2003) - emergence of beanpole families

Answer 2

Extended families of 3/4/5 generations, may not live together but may live near by.

Question 3

Statham (2011) - different forms of grandparenting

Answer 3

Regular help with childcare or being the main provider.

Grandparents may care for grandchildren whose parents are unable/ unwilling to do so.

Question 4

HSBC reports (2007)

Answer 4

£50 billion would be spent on childcare if grandparents did not help,

Question 5

Grandparentsplus (2009)

Answer 5

Grandparents, more flexible, care for children after nursery hours.
Grandparents = important source of support during family breakup

Question 6

Chambers (2013) - involvement of grandparent’s with grandchildren

Answer 6

1) Grandparent - gendered
2) Grandparents may still lead their own social lives
3) Extended families often dispersed
4) Rising rates of divorce, less contact between grandparents and grandchildren.