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The Changing Practices and Meanings of Grandparenthood. Reflections on the Demographical Trends and Changing Representations of Ageing
Author(s) -
Hasmanová Marhánková Jaroslava
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
sociology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1751-9020
DOI - 10.1111/soc4.12259
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , sociology , affect (linguistics) , solidarity , representation (politics) , ageing , gender studies , social psychology , epistemology , social science , psychology , biology , political science , communication , philosophy , genetics , politics , law
Deep demographical shifts in western societies are significantly influencing the patterns of family life including the various forms of solidarity between generations. At the same time, we are facing significant changes in the social representation of ageing, which also influence the ways in which the roles of seniors in society are perceived and how the meaning of old age is constructed. The paper highlights the significance of these changes for the possible (re)definition of grandparenthood. It discusses the ways in which these demographical changes, the current heterogeneity of family life, and changing representations of ageing can affect the practices and meanings of grandparenthood. Simultaneously, it points out the need to analyse grandparenthood as a role which is strongly gendered.