The Special Mission of Grandparents - by C Hall (Hardcover)

About the Book

By supporting and influencing their families and communities, grandparents--and those who act as grandparents--can play a key role in today's society. Their special mission is derived from a strong sense of purpose and direction that develops from making significant contributions to family life. These include compiling and recounting family histories, maintaining meaningful relationships among different generations, opening up family communications, explaining social changes, and participating in community life. With the aid of real-life examples of intergenerational family dynamics, the author--a clinical sociologist who has practiced family therapy for more than 25 years--presents principles, techniques, and perspectives for today's grandparents.

Book Synopsis

By supporting and influencing their families and communities, grandparents--and those who act as grandparents--can play a key role in today's society. Their special mission is derived from a strong sense of purpose and direction that develops from making significant contributions to family life. These include compiling and recounting family histories, maintaining meaningful relationships among different generations, opening up family communications, explaining social changes, and participating in community life. With the aid of real-life examples of intergenerational family dynamics, the author--a clinical sociologist who has practiced family therapy for more than 25 years--presents principles, techniques, and perspectives for today's grandparents.

About the Author

C. MARGARET HALL is Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University, where she has also served as Department Chair and Director of Women's Studies. She has researched three-generation families for more than twenty-five years and has developed identity empowerment theory from her research and clinical data. Her publications include Women and Empowerment: Strategies for Increasing Autonomy (1992), New Families: Reviving and Creating Meaningful Bonds (1994) and Identity, Religion, and Values: Implications for Practitioners (1996).