Description
Book SynopsisThis book is the first in-depth exploration of grandparents' relationships with adult children and grandchildren in divorced families. It asks what part grandparents might play in public policy and whether measures should be taken to support their grandparenting role. Do they have a special place in family life that ought to be recognised in law? This ground-breaking book is intended for a wide readership. Grandparents and parents in divorced families will identify with many of the thoughts, feelings and experiences reflected here. Academics in social science and law departments will encounter new thinking about the nature of the grandchild-grandparent relationship. Policy makers will find out more about recent policy initiatives and their strengths and limitations.
Trade Review"... a very interesting and readable book which, as intended, provokes a lot of thought about where grandparents fit in, not only in the lives of their grandchildren, but also in terms of social policy." Family Court Journal
"... a "must read" for those interested in the sociology of the family, as well as those deep in the trenches of family policy, research or practice." Family Matters "... it is important to acknowledge the book as a readable, stimulating and occasionally touching study. It is an important contribution to family studies." Ageing and Society
"This highly topical book is one of the first studies of grandparenting in the UK. It provides a unique, detailed and often moving view of the roles that grandparents play in divorced families, and how their children and grandchildren respond to them. Its findings will be influential in shaping family policy, law, research and practice." Geoff Dench, Institute of Community Studies, London, UK.
Table of ContentsIntroduction; What do we already know about grandparents?; Grandparents' relationships with grandchildren:continuity and change; Activities with grandparents; Discipline and favouritism; The main grandparents; Grandparenting in divorced families: rights and policies; Communicating in divorced families; Taking sides; 'Being there': grandparents' financial, emotional and childcare support; Excluded grandparents; Conclusions: grandparents and family policy.
