New American Grandparent

Two leading sociologists of the family examine the changing role of American grandparents—how they strive for both independence and family ties.

A comprehensive and intriguing portrait of grandparenting in America today., A sensitive, compassionate, and finely grained portrait of grandparenthood in contemporary American society. Cherlin and Furstenberg are to be congratulated for entering this arena of kin relations, which has, until now, been almost completely neglected., Lively and down-to-earth, this authoritative book should interest all thoughtful adults… For most grandparents, this book shows, the great challenge is how to maintain family ties, but not at the cost of independence and autonomy., Superb—a fascinating, beautifully written exploration of an important but neglected aspect of contemporary social life. This book represents the sociological imagination and social research at its best.

Andrew J. Cherlin is Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr., is Zellerbach Family Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.