Grandfathers For Rent – If Aging Men Care
Abstract
Men over 50 years of age who perform care work outside the biological
family, e.g. in “grandfathers for rent” programs, are rare, as are research
projects dealing with this phenomenon. Recently, however, grandfathers for rent
have attracted the attention of politics and media as a potential
solution to overcome societal challenges, such as the care crisis, and the
effects of demographic changes. What motivates aging men to become a
grandfather for rent and how is the care practice experienced? With our study
we strived to answer these and other questions, all the while retaining a focus
on the social implications of this phenomenon. The theoretical framework for
the study is found in the intersection of (hegemonic) masculinity, care and age
which relies on grandfather studies, the debate on caring masculinities, on the
care crisis, and the social-political concept of active aging. In
keeping with the win-win credo of the discourse, senior citizens are
thus encouraged to modify their lifestyle and activities in order to provide
social benefits for others as well as for themselves, supposedly enriching
their own aging process.
The empirical study was conducted in a German federal state. In terms of
the motivations of grandfathers for rent, it becomes apparent that they are
aware of the current care crisis. A second motive, however, is a feeling of
missed opportunities during their previous life course as career-focused
breadwinners. Grandfatherhood for rent is perceived as a second chance of active participation in childcare. Although their
care practice is similar to that of biological grandparenthood, the
interviewees do not relinquish individual claims on their available time.
Furthermore, and somewhat contrary to the promise of active aging, it becomes
apparent that the care work is far from effortless – and can make you both young
and old at the same time. Patterns of traditional division of labor
among gender groups are persistent within their care practice, as can be seen
in grandfathers preferably taking on typically male care activities -
often outdoor. Nevertheless, the care work provided by grandfathers for rent
does help articulate emotionality and affection and therefore gives hints to
reconciliation of masculinity and care.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Philosophy, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Creative Arts and Writing, Religious Studies
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
August 15, 2018
Submission Date
October 10, 2017
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2018 Number: 9-10