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https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2730502
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Intergenerational support and reproduction of gender inequalities: a case study from Eastern and Western Germany
Intergenerationale Unterstützung und die Reproduktion von Geschlecherungleichheiten: eine Fallstudie aus Ost- und Westdeutschland
[working paper]
Abstract Social support is often described as an exclusively positively acting factor. Its absence is said to mean negative consequences for individuals. This article shows that the supply and dependence of inter-generational social support can have negative consequences and pertains to persisting unequal ge... view more
Social support is often described as an exclusively positively acting factor. Its absence is said to mean negative consequences for individuals. This article shows that the supply and dependence of inter-generational social support can have negative consequences and pertains to persisting unequal gender roles and a gendered division of labor in relationships. Based on qualitative interviews, conducted in eastern and western Germany, with young adults (28-30 years old) and their parents, we hypothesize, that the bigger supply of inter-generational support of grandparents for their children and grandchildren and an alleged dependence on these transfers is especially responsible for impeding the modernization of traditional role models assigning women to the role as a mother and housewife. However, less availability and dependence on this kind of social support in eastern Germany, contribute to a more flexible form of role allocation in a relationship.... view less
Keywords
social support; Intergenerational relations; parent-child relationship; division of labor; gender-specific factors; gender role; role image; partnership; family structure; old federal states; New Federal States; Federal Republic of Germany; east-west comparison
Classification
Family Sociology, Sociology of Sexual Behavior
Women's Studies, Feminist Studies, Gender Studies
Method
empirical; qualitative empirical
Document language
English
Publication Year
2016
City
Rostock
Page/Pages
38 p.
Status
Published Version; not reviewed