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The provision of informal childcare by European grandparents: constraints versus selective preferences

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  • Joris Ghysels

Abstract

This paper extends existing theories on parental time investment in children to a three generational setting and discusses identifiable restrictions of alternative explanations for grandparental help with childcare. It shows on data of 10 European countries (taken from the 2004 SHAREsurvey) that earlier empirical work may have mistakenly identified gender variation as an indication of non-altruistic behavior. In fact, grandparental choices can be explained as a response to varying constraints, for instance with regards to the disproportional care needs of lone parents or employed children experiencing rationing in the market for formal care services.

Suggested Citation

  • Joris Ghysels, 2011. "The provision of informal childcare by European grandparents: constraints versus selective preferences," Working Papers 1108, Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy, University of Antwerp.
    • Handle: RePEc:hdl:wpaper:1108
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    File URL: https://medialibrary.uantwerpen.be/oldcontent/container2453/files/CSB%20WP%202011/CSB_WP_11_08.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Debra Friedman & Michael Hechter & Derek Kreager, 2008. "A Theory of the Value of Grandchildren," Rationality and Society, , vol. 20(1), pages 31-63, February.
    2. Meta Brown, 2006. "Informal Care and the Division of End-of-Life Transfers," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 41(1).
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    Cited by:

    1. Maaike Jappens & Jan Van Bavel, 2012. "Regional family cultures and child care by grandparents in Europe," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 27(4), pages 85-120.

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