Second-Generation Parenthood: A Panel Study of Grandmother and Grandchild Coresidency Among Low-Income Families, 1967-1992

Abstract

This paper reports findings of a national study of low-income coresident grandmothers and grandchildren between 1967 and 1992. A small increasing minority of women teas found to reside with their grandchildren in low-income families over the study period, although the proportion of those who did declined as they reached retirement age. Move than half of ever coresident low-income grandmothers (N = 776) were second-generation parents for three or move years. The majority (64 percent) was Black. Among ever coresident low-income grandmothers in 1992 (N = 521), being Black and being single increased the likelihood of being a second generation parent. Previous low-income coresidency also predicted low-income coresidency in 1992. Further, older low-income second-generation parents were more likely to reside in skipped vs. three-generation families, as were those outside the South. The author argues that low-income coresident grandmothers may be adversely affected by time limits associated with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act of 1996. Changes to the PRA and the Earned Income Tax Credit are discussed.