Description
Book SynopsisYoung working mothers are not the only ones who are struggling to balance family life and careers. Many middle-aged American women face this dilemma as they provide routine childcare for their grandchildren while pursuing careers and trying to make ends meet. This book provides a perspective on a phenomenon faced by millions of women in America.
Trade Review"With grandmothers playing dominant roles in families, this book underscores the commitment, dedication, and even sacrifices that they make." * American Journal of Sociology *
"Grandmothers at Work presents the results of Madonna Harrington Meyer's pathbreaking study that explores in depth the stresses and benefits that come from caring for grandchildren while employed. The book is based on extensive interviews with grandmothers who are working and doing childcare. The interviews are coupled with quantitative data that put the issues into broader perspective. Beautifully written and carefully analyzed, Grandmothers at Work makes a significant contribution to our understanding of complex family dynamics in the 21st century." -- Jill Quadagno,author, The Transformation of Old Age Security
"Because public policy provides relatively little assistance to working parents in the U.S., grandmothers have become an economically important as well as emotionally precious source of child care. In this fascinating study, Madonna Harrington combines quantitative and qualitative research to explore new terrain in the sociology of care. Her sensitive and discerning analysis reveals the circumstances under which grandmothering can become a stressful obligation rather than a voluntary joy." -- Nancy Folbre,author, Valuing Children: Rethinking the Economics of the Family
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Balancing Care and Work 2. Joys and Second Chances 3. Intensive Grandmothering 4. Juggling Work and Grandchildren 5. Financial Ebbs and Flows 6. Containing Carework 7. Emotional Ups and Downs 8. Social and Health Pros and Cons Conclusions: Grandmothers at Work AppendixNotes References Index About the Author
