What Is Multi-Generational Family Research?
Multi-generational family research is the study of several generations of families and their interrelationships. Because of longevity, there are an increasing number of generations in a family and current research is based on 3, 4 and 5 generations. Key aspects of the research are the development of an individual over his or her lifetime and his or her relationship to multi-generational family members.
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Impact of Changes
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Social changes over the last few decades have impacted multi-generational families. Divorce, single parenting, and co-habitating have risen dramatically and increased the complexity of these relationships. Children now live in second- and third-marriage homes. They have half-siblings and step relatives. These changes increase the diversity of family and multi-generational relationships and are a significant area of research about mutli-generational families.
Issues
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Some of the major issues studied in multi-generational research include the aging population, the single parent, the instability of marriage and the specific roles of multi-generational members. The changes over time in multi-generational relationships are another significant subject of research. Relationships studied may either be positive or negative.
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Specific Study
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Of the many research projects undertaken in the field of multi-generational families, the details of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG), which began in 1971, is a good example. It studied 350 families with three or four generations. The primary purpose was to examine social and historical changes and their impact on family interactions over several generations. The study sought to answer such questions as: Have inter-generational relationships been changing? Have family bonds weakened due to the dramatic changes of last 40 years? How do strong bonds in a family advance individual welfare?
The Elderly
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A significant amount of intergenerational research is on the elderly. Studies tend to show that grandparents are influential in their grandchildren's development. However, studies also indicate that multi-generational functioning may be declining; if so, then the elderly will receive less care from family members. They will be forced to seek public help for assistance and care.
Publications and Organizations
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There is a journal in this field, the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, a quarterly publication which began publishing in 2002. Numerous organizations on multi-generational family research also exist. They include the International Consortium for Intergenerational Programmes, focused on the promotion of intergenerational practice, research and public policy; and the Beth Johnson Foundation Centre for Intergenerational Practice and Generations, centered around promoting intergenerational practice as agent for social change.
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References
- Photo Credit family image by redrex from Fotolia.com
