Grandparents: A New Look at the Supporting Generation

Psychotherapist Ursula Falk and sociologist Gerhard Falk's Grandparents: A New Look at the Supporting Generation offers a refreshing take on grandparents. The authors contend that in the past century, grandparents' roles have changed dramatically, due to the rise of big government, the advent of the postindustrial age, increased longevity and a decline in fertility, among other factors. Grandparents are now more active and are often forced to assume parental responsibilities, yet they must deal with occasionally negative and stereotypical depictions of themselves in the media. The Falks' book attempts to eliminate these labels and make family members aware of grandparents' own individuality. (Aug. 31)