Abstract
The traditional Indian joint family system is undergoing significant changes due to urbanization, nuclearization, and socio-economic shifts. The study reviews the evolving role of grandparents in modern urban Indian families. It focuses on the kind of participation of grandparents in family with reference to childcare, emotional support and transmission of family values to the younger generation. It reviews the joy and the sorrow of grandparenting in an urban family setup and present the challenges faced by grandparents in adapting to the changing family dynamics. Finally, it comments on the assumed ‘Mutuality of commitment among the two generations for care and wellbeing of family’ and the possible threats to the social equilibrium in the wake of the processes of rapid change. The methodology entails detailed study of published literature on grandparenting followed by informal interviews with six grandparents using a qualitative research paradigm. A thematic description of the perceived outcome of the rapidly transforming frames of relationships among the two generations in the family is the significant outcome of the study. This study contributes to the understanding of the dynamic role of grandparents in modern urban Indian families, informing strategies to promote healthy family relationships, intergenerational solidarity, and social support.
Presenters
Anagha Tendulkar PatilPrincipal & Head of Sociology Department, Faculty of Arts, Sophia College for Women (Empowered Autonomous), Maharashtra, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Aging, Intergenerational Solidarity and the Polycrisis
KEYWORDS
INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, GRANDPARENTS, URBAN FAMILIES
