article

Continuities and changes in Marshallese grandparenting

Pacific studies30 (3-4) • Published In 2007 • Pages: 135-161

By: Carucci, Laurence Marshall.

Abstract
This paper discusses the nature of grandparent-grandchildren relationship among Marshallese Islanders. it argues that for Marshallese, grandparents do not exist as independent types of kin. Instead, a grandparent is regarded as a partner in a reciprocal grandparent/grandchild relationship. This relationship is not grounded in either biology or unchallenging social status; rather, it is constructed out of practical activities as members of a shared community. Grandparents who actively earn respect in their relationships with others are recognized collectively as senior grandparents of the community or communal grandparents. The paper also examines continuities and changes in the activities and social significance of grandparents of the community across three decades (1976-2005).
Subjects
Grandparents and grandchildren
Kin relationships
Kinship terminology
Etiquette
External relations
Acculturation and culture contact
Labor supply and employment
Sociocultural trends
culture
Marshallese
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Micronesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2009
Field Date
1976-2005
Coverage Date
1944-2005
Coverage Place
Enewetak and Ujelang Atolls, Marshall Islands
Notes
Laurence Marshall Carucci
Includes bibliographical references (p. 159-161)
LCCN
84643929
LCSH
Marshallese