The aim of this research was to carry out an in-depth exploration of the role of grandparents in Greece, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Many Greek grandparents provide regular childcare and other kinds of family help, but very limited research has been carried out on this important topic. Firstly, quantitative data was collected from 190 grandparents around Greece regarding types of help given in the care of grandchildren, how often, and reasons for helping. Secondly, a small qualitative study was conducted with English grandparents living in Athens. Lastly, in-depth interviews were carried out with 22 Greek grandparents using a Grounded Theory framework. The quantitative data showed that over a third (38%) of grandparents provided daily childcare for a grandchild. Around 50% also babysat, provided household help and picked up/dropped off a grandchild at least once a week. Furthermore, 50% provided emotional support or advice on a daily basis and 26% gave financial support at least once a week. The vast majority (93%) reported "I enjoy it" as one reason for providing assistance. Over a third (38%) said they provided assistance to help the parental generation financially. Grandmothers were significantly more involved in childcare (p=0.05) and household help (p=0.001) than grandfathers. The qualitative data showed that grandparents enjoyed providing family help when it provided them with a useful and valued role. Grandparents provided most help when they felt needed, such as for financial reasons. Sometimes grandparents felt pressured to be more involved than they would have liked. However, grandparents with financial resources experienced greater choice; they financed alternative childcare arrangements when necessary. Provision of help and grandparent-grandchild relationships were influenced by the grandparent's relationship with the grandchildren's mother. The findings of this research are discussed in the context of recent social change in Greece.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:582555 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Svensson-Dianellou, Antonia Louise |
| Publisher | Goldsmiths College (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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