Open AccessThe dyad is not enough
Author(s) -
Torbjörn Bildtgård,
Marianne Winqvist,
Peter Öberg
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sociologisk forskning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.289
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2002-066X
pISSN - 0038-0342
DOI - 10.37062/sf.58.22041
Subject(s) - stepfamily , dyad , cohesion (chemistry) , life course approach , psychology , perspective (graphical) , sociology , developmental psychology , exploratory research , social psychology , social science , chemistry , organic chemistry , artificial intelligence , computer science
The increasing prevalence of ageing stepfamilies and the potential of stepchildren to act as a source of support for older parents have increased the interest in long-term intergenerational step relationships. Applying a life-course perspective combined with Simmel’s theorizing on social dynamics, this exploratory study aims to investigate the preconditions for cohesion in long-term intergenerational step relationships. The study is based on interviews with 13 older parents, aged 66–79, who have raised both biological children and stepchildren. Retrospective life-course interviews were used to capture the development of step relationships over time. Interviews were analysed following the principles of analytical induction. The results reveal four central third-party relationships that are important for cohesion in intergenerational step relationships over time, involving: (1) the intimate partner; (2) the non-residential parent; (3) the bridge child; and (4) the stepchild-in-law. The findings have led to the conclusion that if we are to understand the unique conditions for cohesion in long-term intergenerational step relationships, we cannot simply compare biological parent–child dyads with step dyads, because the step relationship is essentially a mediated relationship.