Gender and perceptions of grandparenthood.
Grandparents (N = 301) were interviewed concerning their relationship with one grandchild; topics included the meaning of the relationship, responsibility toward the grandchild, and satisfaction with the relationship. Grandparent gender by grandchild gender by maternal/paternal grandparent MANOVA's revealed no differences in the relationships associated with grandchild gender or with maternal/paternal grandparent status; nor were there significant interaction effects. Grandmothers expressed greater satisfaction than did grandfathers; grandfathers stressed family extension through grandchildren and the pleasures of indulging grandchildren to a greater extent than did grandmothers. These gender differences may reflect personality development in adulthood and the cultural context of the research.
Thomas
J L
JL
Division of Behavioral Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012380:Role; D012737:Sex Factors