As intergenerational bounds differ due to cultural context, the research questions in this study will be, if (1) family solidarity changes with migration, (2) will be adapted from 2nd generation migrants and if (3) a strong family cohesion could create a cultural conflict in which the 2nd generation experiences it as a burden. After an introduction to the theoretical background of family solidarity, acculturation and cultural conflict, the research question will be examined empirically using the German Ageing Survey (GAS) database from 2014. Finally, a conclusion and an outlook resulting from these findings will be given.
In recent years, family sociology was taking a specific focus on several topics, e.g. fertility, family forms and labour division in partnership. One other central research field were intergenerational relationships. Due to longer life expectancy, the increased shared lifetime of different generations has become more important than ever before. Intergenerational solidarity, the character of relationships between family members of different generations, can differ in terms of socio-economic status, education or cultural context. Especially for migrants, intergenerational relationships become much more important and the family often works as a “safe haven”, while other social contacts were left behind in their home country. In 2003, half of the 7.3 million foreign citizens in Germany had their origins in one of the recruitment countries (Italy, Greece, Turkey, former Yugoslavia, Spain and Portugal) and mainly migrated between 1955 and 1973. Meanwhile the 4th generation is growing up in Germany and their great-grandparents are now belonging to the retired workers.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theory and Hypotheses
3. Data and Methods
4. Results
5. Discussion
6. Literaturverzeichnis
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines intergenerational solidarity within migrant families in Germany. It investigates how migration processes and acculturation influence family cohesion, testing whether migrant generations exhibit different patterns of support and social interaction compared to non-migrant families.
- Theoretical foundations of intergenerational solidarity (Bengston and Roberts).
- Empirical analysis of family bonds using the German Ageing Survey (GAS).
- Testing the impact of acculturation on second-generation migrant behavior.
- Comparison of functional, associational, and normative solidarity across generations.
- Analysis of socio-demographic factors like education, income, and religious membership.
Excerpt from the Publication
2. Theory and Hypotheses
In the following the theory of intergenerational solidarity by Bengston and Roberts (1991) will be explained. Furthermore, empirical evidence about patterns of family solidarity in different societies as well as changes in family relationships due to migration itself, will be presented. Additionally, the acculturation theory, a theory about the adaption of cultural patterns, will be explained. Resulting from the theoretical background, the hypotheses are derived.
The theory of intergenerational solidarity was first presented by Bengston et al. (1976). In the beginning, the theory contained three dimensions, which characterise an intergenerational relationship. Associational solidarity (the frequency of contact between family members), affectional solidarity (the degree of emotional attachment between family members) and consensual solidarity (the degree of agreement on certain topics) were accused to be interdependent, which means that every dimension would have a direct impact on another. A relationship, which is characterised by a high consensus between family members, would likewise have a high frequency of contact. A few empirical studies falsified this assumption (c.f. Atkinson et al. 1986; Roberts and Bengston 1990).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the relevance of intergenerational relationships in family sociology and defines the central research interest regarding migrant families in Germany.
2. Theory and Hypotheses: Explains the conceptual model of intergenerational solidarity and introduces the acculturation theory to derive testable hypotheses for the study.
3. Data and Methods: Details the dataset from the German Ageing Survey (GAS) and describes the operationalization of variables used in the logistical regression models.
4. Results: Provides an empirical evaluation of the regression models, contrasting patterns of solidarity across migrant generations and socio-demographic groups.
5. Discussion: Evaluates the findings against the initially stated hypotheses and provides an outlook on the future of social research in a pluralistic German society.
6. Literaturverzeichnis: A comprehensive list of academic sources and references cited throughout the document.
Keywords
Intergenerational solidarity, migration, Germany, German Ageing Survey, acculturation, family sociology, associational solidarity, affectional solidarity, functional solidarity, normative solidarity, structural solidarity, migrant families, social cohesion, cultural conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the state and nature of intergenerational solidarity among migrant families living in Germany, analyzing how different generations maintain or adapt their family ties.
What are the primary fields of research covered?
The research sits at the intersection of family sociology and migration studies, specifically focusing on intergenerational relationships, social support, and acculturation processes.
What is the main research question or objective?
The study aims to determine how family solidarity changes with migration, how it is adapted by the second generation, and whether strong family cohesion acts as a burden or a cultural resource.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The author uses empirical quantitative analysis, specifically logistic regression models, based on data retrieved from the German Ageing Survey (GAS) 2014.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body establishes the theoretical framework of solidarity dimensions (associational, affectional, functional, normative, structural), explains the methodological approach, and provides a comparative results analysis between migrants and non-migrants.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include intergenerational solidarity, migration, acculturation, German Ageing Survey, and various dimensions of family cohesion like functional and normative solidarity.
How does migration affect the frequency of family contact?
The study finds complex interaction effects; while migration affects perceived social bonds, the results suggest that factors like gender and socio-economic status also play critical roles in defining how often contact occurs.
What is the significance of the "acculturation thesis" in this study?
The thesis posits that second-generation migrants tend to adapt the family norms and behavioral patterns of the host society, which is tested against the empirical data gathered in the study.
What conclusion is drawn regarding female family members?
The results highlight the role of women as the "kinkeeper" of the family, showing that female gender is a significant predictor for stronger emotional attachment and frequency of contact within families.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2018, Intergenerational solidarity among migrant families in Germany, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1322966
