earticle

영어

This study explores interpretations of grandmothers’ experiences rearing theirgrandchildren. For this study, 13 participants provided in-depth interview data, whichwas analyzed according to Spradely’s ethnographic method. Based on the pattern ofinterpretations, nine concepts were classified into three categories: (i) repentance(compulsive decisions, passivity of the childrearing activity, non-compensation); (ii)sorrow (restrictions on everyday life, renunciation of occupational careers, worsenedhealth); and (iii) satisfaction (decreased isolation in old age, proof of existence fortheir children, intimacy development with their grandchild). The results of this studyshow that grandmothers have a higher appreciation for the benefits of relationalcompensation than for personal cost. Some practical implications are suggested toimprove family welfare.