The New American Grandparent: A Place in the Family, A Life Apart [Paperback]

Andrew Cherlin (Author), Frank F. Furstenberg Jr. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0674608380 | ISBN-13: 978-0674608382 | Publication Date: January 1, 1992

Two leading sociologists of the family examine the changing role of American grandparents--how they strive for both independence and family ties.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The increase in the life expectancy of the average American has finally resulted in a growth of studies about grandparents. These two family sociologists conducted a telephone survey of over 500 grandparents nationwide in order to gain a better understanding of the nature of grandparenthood in today's society. One particular focus of the survey was the way in which the increased divorce rate in the middle generation has altered the grandparent role, making it more substantial. The survey results are not surprising, but the representativeness of the sample will probably make it a standard in the field. Recommended. Robin B. Devin, Univ. of Rhode Island Lib., Kingston
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A comprehensive and intriguing portrait of grandparenting in America today.
--Maggie Scarf (New York Times Book Review )

A sensitive, compassionate, and finely grained portrait of grandparenthood in contemporary American society. Cherlin and Furstenberg are to be congratulated for entering this arena of kin relations, which has, until now, been almost completely neglected.
--Lillian B. Rubin, author of Worlds of Pain and Intimate Strangers

Lively and down-to-earth, this authoritative book should interest all thoughtful adults...For most grandparents, this book shows, the great challenge is how to maintain family ties, but not at the cost of independence and autonomy.
--Matilda White Riley, Associate Director, National Institute on Aging

Superb--a fascinating, beautifully written exploration of an important but neglected aspect of contemporary social life. This book represents the sociological imagination and social research at its best.
--Vern L. Bengston, Director Gerontology Research Institute Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Press (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674608380
• ISBN-13: 978-0674608382
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a sociologist at Johns Hopkins University, and I write about the great changes that have transformed the American family in the past half-century, such as divorce, childbearing outside of marriage, single-parent families, cohabitation, and delayed marriage. In THE MARRIAGE-GO-ROUND I show how and why American family life differs from family life in other wealthy countries and what the consequences are for American parents and children.