Grandparent-Parent Joint Care of Grandchildren: Social Exchange and Family Well-being in Chinese Multigenerational Care Arrangements

Abstract

In contemporary China, where rapid demographic and economic shifts intersect with deep-rooted cultural traditions, lies the multifaceted world of co-(grand)parenting. This dissertation aims to investigate the evolving landscape of Chinese families and shed light on the dynamic of intergenerational exchange that defines co-(grand)parenting today.

The study begins by navigating the changing social and demographic tides, exploring how these transformations influence co-(grand)parenting roles and relationships. Against this backdrop, the research dives into the literature, unearthing gaps and crafting a theoretical framework that interweaves exchange and role theories to understand these familial exchanges better. More specifically, this study addresses several critical gaps in the existing literature on grandparenting. It explores the reasons behind the contradictory evidence on grandparenting, focusing on cultural influences and the unique nature of grandparenting practices. Additionally, it fills a significant gap by examining grandparenting within Asian contexts, as most existing studies center on Western populations. By providing contemporary insights that reflect recent social changes and distinct social characteristics, this research offers an up-to-date perspective on grandparenting. Moreover, it investigates the influence of grandparenting on the entire family unit, an area that remains underexplored in current research.

To operationalize, the key question to answer for this study is how grandparent-parent collaboration and exchange mechanisms impact family well-being and individual well-being in co-(grand)parenting families in urban and suburban China. The methodology chosen to answer the research question blends qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys, all designed to capture the essence of co-(grand)parenting dynamics. Firstly, the narrative deepens with rich, thematic findings from interviews, painting a vivid picture of the lived experiences of grandparents and parents. Secondly, the pilot study lays the groundwork for a comprehensive survey, testing measurement tools on family well-being, mental health, and reciprocity, and so on. Thirdly, Finally, the full-scale survey of 200 dyads provides a thorough analysis, uncovering the complexities of intergenerational relationships and their impact on mental health and family well-being, and so forth. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is acknowledged, and contingency plans are thoughtfully laid out to ensure the study's robustness.

Major findings generated from qualitative data include six themes: redefinition of co-(grand)parenting, structural interdependence, intergenerational exchange and family well-being, the significance of positive emotional feedback, the risk of negative emotional feedback, the delicate balance between family success and individual well-being. Pilot results from 100 grandparent-parent dyads offer preliminary insights, setting the stage for a full-scale investigation. Knowledge gained from the full-scale study includes the delicate discrepancies between individual well-being and family well-being. The roles and duties performed by grandparents and parents and how these duties are allocated, significantly affect family well-being. Additionally, resources available to the family, such as those associated with household registration status and access to domestic services, also determine family and individual well-being. Mutual influences between grandparents and parents are evident, with factors like depression and the sense of caregiver meaningfulness transferring between the two generations. Positive affective feedback, such as reciprocity, is key to fostering better intergenerational relationships, and so on.

These findings culminate in synthesizing theoretical advancements and practical implications, offering new perspectives on exchange theory and proposing interventions to support co-(grand)parenting partnerships. This dissertation contributes to the academic understanding of co-(grand)parenting in China and highlights policy implications, suggesting legal frameworks and societal support to enhance family dynamics. Through this exploration, the study provides a nuanced appreciation of the interconnectedness and emotional depth that characterize Chinese co-(grand)parenting, paving the way for future research and practical advancements in this vital area of family life.

Date of Award	30 Aug 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	Chau Kiu Jacky CHEUNG (Supervisor) & Oi Wah Esther CHOW (External Co-Supervisor)