Centre for Policy on Ageing



Tongan grandparents and grandchildren — the impact of grandparenting
Author(s)	Halaevalu F Ofahengaue Vakalahi
Journal title	International Social Work, vol 54, no 4, July 2011
Pages	pp 580-598
Source	http://isw.sagepub.com
Keywords	Grandparents ; Grandchildren ; Grandparents as carers ; Polynesia.
Annotation	This article was part of a study on grandparenting in Tongan and Hawaiian culture. The study looked at grandparent-related family, social, cultural, spiritual, systemic, and economic-based factors that serve as possible sources of risk and/or protection for grandchildren who are expectant carriers of cultural customs and traditions. Grandparenting remains intrinsic to the Tongan cultural structure and central to the survival of the culture, particularly as Tongan immigrants experience cultural duality and acculturation. Because grandchildren are central to the preservation of the culture, understanding how the practice of grandparenting impacts them is critical. Themes identified as possible risk factors included cultural duality, language and acculturative barriers, low socioeconomic status and low educational level. Possible protective factors included unconditional love, reciprocity, loyalty, discipline and prayers. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (JL).
Accession Number	CPA-110926002 A
Classmark	SW: SW5: P6:SW: 7YP
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