Author/Authors :
uğur, sinem burcu akdeniz üniversitesi - edebiyat fakültesi - sosyoloji bölümü, Antalya, turkey
Abstract :
Grandparenting, one of the most common social roles for the elderly in the family, is a social status acquired when the grandchild comes into the world. Within the family, grandparents are generally positioned as the symbol of the continuity of the family, the family historian, the consultant, the role model, the nurturer, the family watchdog, the value transporter, the referee between parent and grandchild and the contributing individuals to the formation of family members’ personality. But changes since the 1970’s, such as increased divorce rates, the appearance of single-parent families and female employment have transformed grandparenting into a role that includes child-care responsibilities. By responding to the need for care, becoming a productive member again indicates that grandparenting involving care of grandchildren is a role that has connotations of happiness. On the other hand, this role also brings many obligations for grandparents. Moreover, grandparenting is a concept related to old age and this situation can lead the person to experience stress regardless of the person’s age, vigour and vitality. From this point of view, in this study an attempt was made to try and understand how the health status of grandparents who undertake the responsibility of caring for grandchildren is affected by the maintenance process. The data used in the study was obtained from in-depth interviews with grandmothers living in Antalya and providing care to their grandchildren. From the results of these interviews it was understood that for those grandmothers who are more likely to positioned as mother and family protectors, the care process can be related to psychological satisfaction, as well as a compelling sense of responsibility.
NaturalLanguageKeyword :
The Types of Grandparenting , Changing Family Relationships , Child , Care , Satisfaction with Life
