Multigenerational Families

The nuclear family, comprised of two married parents and their biological or adopted children, was once widely understood as the primary family form in modern societies, but that has rapidly changed and declined in the twenty-first century. In contrast, multigenerational families are emerging as a widespread family form. For instance, many adults are living with their parents longer or returning to their family of origin after college or following divorce. In addition, older generations are living with their children or other family members, either to care for grandchildren or to be cared for by their children, and single parents may find living with another generation offers extra support for childcare. There are both benefits and drawbacks to the multigenerational family. For instance, while multigenerational families may share material resources, needs for emotional support, healthcare, and finances vary across generations. Yet there are clear advantages to living in a multigenerational family in a complex and anxious world, and increasingly such arrangements may provide the essential family functions in twenty-first century society.

Keywords Extended Family; Family Dynamics; Industrialization; Intergenerational; Kinship; Multigenerational Family; Nuclear Family

Family & Relationships > Multigenerational Families

Overview

Although the nuclear family, comprised of two married parents and their biological or adopted children, was once widely understood as the primary family form in modern societies, that has begun to change and decline. In particular, multigenerational families are emerging as a widespread family form. For instance, many adults are living with their parents longer or returning to their family of origin after college or following divorce. In addition, older generations are living with their children or other family members, either to care for grandchildren or to be cared for by their children, and single parents may find living with another generation offers extra support for childcare. There are both benefits and drawbacks to the multigenerational family. For instance, while multigenerational families may share material resources, needs for emotional support, healthcare, and finances vary across generations. Yet there are clear advantages to living in a multigenerational family in a complex and anxious world, and increasingly such arrangements may provide the essential family functions in twenty-first century society.

Family Forms

The family is a form of social organization that changes over time and place. For instance, industrialization transformed the traditional, extended family associated with agrarian societies (not only multigenerational but typically including an assortment of non-kin living in one household) into the modern, isolated, nuclear family. Much family research has taken a functionalist perspective through which researchers have argued that the functions of the nuclear family include the socialization of children and the provision of emotional support in a 'heartless world' (Lasch, 1995). Social commentators who support this view have argued that the nuclear family is in decline: that is, they see changes in family structure (for instance, the rise in divorce rates from the 1960s, the increase in single-parent families, and the absence of fathers from many families) as signs of moral decay. However, other researchers argue that changes in family structure and form need not be interpreted as evidence of social decline. For instance, Klever (2004) refers to the family as a dynamic organism whose shape can change at any time. An illness, death, or pregnancy in the family can suddenly shift responsibilities and change the configuration of a household. A young woman or man who is suddenly widowed or becomes a single parent may need the support of their parents in order to get through a difficult time.

It is certainly the case that family forms are diversifying. People increasingly live in families that are headed by mothers, in blended families (where children from different families of origin live with step-parents), and in families with gay or lesbian parents. Another emerging family form is that of the multigenerational family.

Factors that Account for Multigenerational Families

According to 2010 Census data, there were 5.1 million multigenerational households (consisting of three or more generations of parents and their children) in the United States, accounting for 4.4 percent of all households. The three most common types of multigenerational households (accounting for 98.1 percent) were “householder-child-grandchild, parent/parent-in-law of householder-householder-child, and parent/parent-in-law of householder- householder-child-grandchild” (Lofquist, Lugaila, O’Connell, & Feliz, 2012, Apr). A marked increase in multi-generational living occurred in the years after the 2010 Census, and by 2012—according to research conducted by Pew Research Center’s Social and Demographic Trends division—18.1 percent of the population of the United States lived in multi-generational family households. By 2022, the Pew Research Center found that one-third of Americans aged 25 through 29 lived in multigenerational households, with males outnumbering females. Overall, in the last 50 years, the number of Americans living in multigenerational households has quadrupled (Donnelly & Chakrbarti, 2023).

There are numerous factors that have contributed to the emergence of multigenerational families. First, increasing longevity and decreasing fertility have created a demographic shift in which there is now a much greater proportion of people over the age of 65 than even 50 years ago. People are not only living longer but also living more vital lives. Healthcare has a stronger focus on wellness, and the development of geriatric medicine has created specialists who help people age with grace and fewer medical problems. Consequently, Spira and Wall (2006) suggest that families with three and four generations will become more of a norm in the future.

Lowenstein (2007) has studied population increase in the number of people over the age of 65. She refers to this phenomenon as the "globalization of ageing" and notes:

"In light of these changing demographic structures and changing family forms, intergenerational bonds among adult family members may be even more important today than previously because individuals live longer and thus can share more years and experiences with other generations" (Lowenstein, 2007, p. 5).

Therefore, second, the shared years and experiences highlighted by Lowenstein above may become intensified since the age distribution has shifted toward "more family generations alive but with fewer members in each generation" (Bengston, 2001, p. 3).

Third, economic conditions may make it difficult for children to establish their own families after college or maintain them following divorce, especially in areas of high unemployment. Many young people cannot afford to take on post-secondary education costs and live away from home. The specter of large loans is frightening, and the best option seems to be to remain at home for as long as possible. Moreover, housing shortages or high costs may force families to double up their living arrangements. This phenomenon is especially noticeable in the generation referred to as Gen Zers and Millennials. In 2022, one in four members of these groups lived with their parents, mainly for financial reasons (NPR, 2022). Similarly, in areas with relatively high rates of out-of-wedlock childbearing, unwed mothers may live with their children in their parents' homes (Simmons and O'Neill, 2000). According to Ruiz and Zhu:

"The unprecedented proliferation of grandmothers who are caring for large numbers of grandchildren has received the nation's attention. In spite of the growing interest among researchers, policy makers, and practitioners, currently there is little empirical research on the issues and problems affecting this vulnerable population of caregivers" (p. 416)

Fourth, multigenerational families are more likely to reside in areas of recent immigration, where new immigrants may live with their relatives.

There are also cultural factors related to multigenerational families. In some cultures, such as Mexican culture, care for the older generation is considered important. This is also true for Cuban culture: "In Cuban families, bonds of loyalty and unity the value of families, a cultural attitude and value, places the interest of the family over the interest of the individual as the basis of family structure" (Spira & Wall, 2006, p. 394).

Challenges to the Nuclear Family

In addition to these demographic and economic factors, Bengston (2001) suggests that the nuclear family, which emerged during the Industrial Revolution, has been declining for some time due to changing economic circumstances and high divorce rates. He proposes that as the twenty-first century progresses, society will see a further decline in the existence of nuclear families and an increase in multigenerational families as a post-modern family form, alongside other forms such as lesbian and gay families and families created via new reproductive technologies and globalized adoption. In particular, Bengston (2001) suggests that rising divorce rates are destabilizing the nuclear family and giving rise to the need for multigenerational families as an economic and emotional support system. He notes, "Relations across more than two generations are becoming increasingly important to individuals and families in American society" (p. 5). This suggests that given present-day sociological changes and economic needs, many nuclear families feel they cannot provide sufficient emotional and financial support for their members. People recognize that to completely provide for the well-being of family members, they require the strength, bonds, and interdependence of others. Further, the nuclear family has been affected by changes in wages, employment, societal roles, and gender roles which rendered the principles of the nuclear family increasingly obsolete in the twenty-first century (Bell, 2022).

Further Insights

Needs of Multigenerational Families

The specific needs of a multigenerational family vary across cultures and with respect to the specific family configuration. There could be three or four generations of women in a household, just as there could be several generations of men in the same house. One of the more common configurations is that of at least one grandparent, one parent, and children. In these situations, it is often the case that the grandparent has some responsibility for child caregiving/parenting.

Housing

The greatest need for multigenerational families is appropriate and affordable housing. With several generations under one roof, the issue of privacy can be challenging. However, the ability to find affordable housing is a critical issue for many people these days. In the early 2000s, it was due to an economy that had been spurred by a housing/mortgage crisis. In the 2020s, rising home prices and an inflated real estate market made single-family home ownership harder to achieve and that ability may be even more compromised in the present and near future.

Medical Care

Another issue is that of medical care. A multigenerational family without healthcare faces immense difficulties. This is particularly so if an older family member is taking care of infants or children. His or her healthcare is an absolute priority.

Finances

Multigenerational families have very distinct financial needs. For instance, a grandparent or parent may have to quit work or reduce their workload in order to provide caregiving duties. This translates into less income for the household and/or a need to use savings (if they exist) for daily living. Older generations faced with a young single parent and young children in the house may also feel angry or frustrated with the younger family member, whom they may blame for this situation:

"Some grandparents may not have financial resources to take care of their grandchildren, and must return to work, or use their savings to support them. Others are simply not comfortable in the role of grandparenting, especially young grandmothers who experience role conflict between work and caregiving" (Ruiz & Zhu, 2004, p. 416).

Conflict & Decision-Making

Multigenerational families usually find they must decide how to deal with conflicts and decision-making. They also have to cope with a different type of hierarchy. In a nuclear family, the parents have the final say in important decisions. However, with an older generation in the house, the parents may, in certain instances, have to acquiesce to the grandparents and their authority. This can cause tension and stress in the household.

Viewpoints

The Rewards of Living in a Multigenerational Family

Oberlander, Black and Starr (2007) cite numerous studies that indicate there are both advantages and disadvantages to living in a multigenerational home, especially for young, single parents. Among the advantages for single mothers in particular, they note, "evidence suggests that living at home prolongs adolescence by allowing mothers to complete their education, fulfill their own developmental needs, and become competent parents" (p. 37).

One of the rewards for young single mothers is in terms of financial and caregiving support. This enables them to continue with their education or work while parenting. Another advantage to a young, single mother living in a multigenerational home is that she learns from observing her grandmother (and possibly mother) with respect to caregiving:

"The division of childcare and the quality of the adolescent-grandmother relationship were associated with parenting sense of competence, indicating that mothers who are involved in caregiving and have a supportive relationship with their own mothers feel more competent as parents" (Black & Starr, 2007, p. 44).

Some young mothers and fathers are actually not physically or psychologically capable of raising a child. They may have issues with addiction, violence, or a psychiatric disorder that prevents them from parenting appropriately. Therefore, the need for a parent and/or grandparent to step in becomes essential.

Another benefit of the multigenerational family is a sense of solidarity and a cultural flow from one generation to the next. These important cultural ties provide a sense of self and a feeling of belonging that people need in order to place themselves in society. Younger family members have an opportunity to learn about their family's history, their culture, and their grandparents' stories and gain knowledge and experience. There is also an opportunity for older generations to enjoy watching the younger generations grow and develop. As Bengston notes:

"Grandparents provide many unacknowledged functions in contemporary families. They are important role models in the socialization of grandchildren. They provide economic resources to younger generation family members. They contribute to cross-generational solidarity and family continuity over time. They also represent a bedrock of stability for teenage moms raising infants" (Bengston, 2001, p. 7).

According to Generations United, another benefit to living in a multigenerational family includes companionship. Multigenerational families provide a built-in emotional support system that provides balance in the home and an ongoing potential for someone to talk to. In addition, financial benefit comes with sharing the financial burden of raising children, paying for a home, groceries, and all of the other daily expenses we cope with (www.gu.org).

The Challenges of Living in a Multigenerational Family

Spira and Wall (2006) point out that multigenerational families, in particular, need to cope with issues of conflict and control. The oldest generation may feel that they should have the final say in important decisions given their age and experience. However, younger generations may balk at this and feel as if they're under too much control. In addition, this can create conflict between the two older generations, both of whom may be jockeying for control in the household.

Another potential problem is in the area of communication. As the oldest generation ages and experiences health-related difficulties, the youngest generation may have difficulty understanding the experience and/or how to communicate about it. They may feel uncomfortable seeing someone who was once vital and healthy deteriorate on a daily basis. Consequently, families may have difficulties negotiating who takes care of whom during difficult times:

"Negotiating developmental needs in the context of care for someone in declining health affects adolescents' sense of self and their experience with others. For instance, the research done by Spira, Grossman, and Wolf-Bensdorf (2002) illustrates the impact that grandparents' health decline can have on adolescent female development" (Spira & Wall, 2006, p. 394).

Spira and Wall's (2006) research points out that when the older generations become less independent, the family can enter into a state of crisis. The younger generations have become far more attached to them than if they had lived in separate residences. There is a marked interruption in lifestyle and emotional upheaval.

There is no doubt that every family has its own challenges, whether nuclear or multigenerational, and all families experience stress. According to Klever (2005a): "Stress shapes the functioning of all life. The stress response has evolved as an adaptation to threat, but under the right circumstances it also can be a damaging force" (p. 233). For those individuals who have lived independently or in a nuclear family and find themselves living in a multigenerational family, there can be a period of adjustment. This new arrangement can take some time to become accustomed to and comfortable with.

The Multigenerational Family in the Twenty-first Century

Family dynamics and composition continued to evolve as the twenty-first century progressed. Children who moved back in with older family members during the COVID-19 pandemic often remained in the living situation due to the rising costs of healthcare, education, and housing. Changes also occurred in family and gender roles. To combat rising prices, a shift to two-income families was necessary, requiring an additional family member for childcare. As large families become harder to sustain, birth rates have begun to drop, and this trend will affect the future of multigenerational families (Bell, 2022).

Conclusion

The emergence of multigenerational families is borne from specific sociocultural, demographic, and economic circumstances. Although many cultures already revere multigenerational families, recent economic difficulties, demographic changes, and sociological factors (such as a rising divorce rate and increase in teen pregnancies) in modern, Western societies have contributed to the increase in this family form. There are certainly challenges and specific needs associated with multigenerational families. For instance, the configuration of a multigenerational home means the negotiation of space, responsibilities, decision-making, and privacy. Yet there are clear advantages in a complex and anxious world. Indeed, Bengston (2001) argues that "kin across several generations will increasingly be called upon to provide the essential family functions in 21st century society" (p. 5).

Terms & Concepts

Extended Family: A nuclear family plus other members of a family living together.

Family Dynamics: Enduring patterns of relating or interacting within families.

Industrialization: A change in methods of production associated with a specialized division of labor, mechanization, cultural rationalization, and the application of scientific rationale to problems.

Intergenerational: Refers to relationships between children, youth, adults, and seniors.

Kinship: Biological relationships between parents and children, siblings, and marital partners that create social ties between individuals and groups.

Multigenerational Family: Refers to a family comprising several generations under one roof.

Nuclear Family: The family group consisting of parents, most commonly a father and mother, and their children. Nuclear families can be any size as long as the family can support itself and there are only parents and children.

Bibliography

Barnett, M.A., Mills-Koonce, W., Gustafsson, H., & Cox, M. (2012). Mother-grandmother conflict, negative parenting, and young children's social development in multigenerational families. Family Relations, 61, 864–877. Retrieved November 15, 2013 from EBSCO online database, SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=83350073&site=ehost-live

Bell, M. (2022, July 11). The nuclear family isn't working, what can we do instead? Matt Bell. Retrieved June 5, 2023, from https://www.mattbell.us/the-nuclear-family-isnt-working-what-can-we-do-instead

Bengston, V. L. (2001). Beyond the nuclear family: The increasing importance of multigenerational bonds. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 1-16. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=4093129&site=ehost-live

Center for Urban Child Policy. (2008). When grandparents are responsible for grandchildren in Shelby County. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from Urban Child Institute: http://www.theurbanchildinstitute.org/Downloads/ResearchBriefs/HomeAndFa amily/GrandparentBrief‗CUCP‗2008.pdf

DeLeire, T., & Kalil, A. (2001). Good things come in 3's: Single-parent multigenerational family structure and adolescent adjustment. Unpublished paper. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from University of Chicago: http://harrisschool.uchicago.edu/About/publications/working-papers/pdf/w wp‗01‗6.pdf.

Donnelly, C., & Chakrabarti, M. (2023, February 6). Why more Americans are choosing to live in multigenerational housing. WBUR. Retrieved June 5, 2023, from https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/02/06/why-more-americans-are-choosing-to-live-in-multi-generational-housing

Generations United. (2006). Fact Sheet. Retrieved October 4, 2008,from: www.gu.org.

Glick, J. E., & Van Hook, J. (2011). Does a House Divided Stand? Kinship and the Continuity of Shared Living Arrangements. Journal Of Marriage & Family, 73, 1149-1164. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from EBSCO Online Database SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=65972772

Herlofson, K., & Hagestad, G.O. (2011). Challenges in moving from macro to micro: Population and family structures in ageing societies. Demographic Research, 25 337–370. Retrieved November 15, 2013 from EBSCO online database, SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=89335448&site=ehost-live

Klever, P. (2004). The multigenerational transmission of nuclear family processes and symptoms. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 32,337-351. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=13572244&site=ehost-live

Klever, P. (2005). Multigenerational stress and nuclear family functioning. Contemporary Family Therapy International Journal, 27, 233-250. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=16917912&site=ehost-live

Lofquist, D., Lugaila, T., O’Connell, M., & Feliz, S. (2012, Apr). Households and families: 2010. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 15, 2013 from http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-14.pdf

Lowenstein, A. (2007). Determinants of the complex interchange among generations: Collaboration and conflict. Paper for UN Social Policy Division Expert Group Meeting: Intergenerational solidarity: Strengthening economic and social ties. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from United Nations: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/egm%5funhq%5foct07%5flowenstein.p pdf

Murashima, C. (2022, December 11). Young folks are moving in with their parents in record numbers. Meet 5 making it work. NPR. Retrieved June 5, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2022/12/11/1139330863/genz-millennials-living-parents

Oberlander, S. E., Black, M. M., & Starr, Jr., R. H. (2007). African American adolescent mothers and grandmothers: A multigenerational approach to parenting. American Journal of Community Psychology, 39(1/2) 37-46. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=24718862&site=ehost-live

Parker, K. J. (2000). Multigenerational living: Design for ageing. Ageing International, 25, 90-101. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=4773900&site=ehost-live

Pilkauskas, N. V. (2012). Three-Generation Family Households: Differences by Family Structure at Birth. Journal Of Marriage & Family, 74, 931-943. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from EBSCO Online Database SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=80236657

Ruiz, D. R., & Zhu, C.W. (2004). Families maintained by African American grandmothers: Household composition and childcare experiences. Western Journal of Black Studies, 28, 415-423. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=19912081&site=ehost-live

Simmons, T. & O'Neill, G. (2000). Households and Families: 2000. Census 2000 Brief. U.S. Department of Commerce: US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2009. http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/aging%5fpopulati ion/000374.html.

Spira, M. & Wall, J. (2006). Issues in multigenerational families: Adolescents' perceptions of grandparents' declining health. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 23, 390-406. Retrieved October 4, 2008, from EBSCO online database, Academic Search Premier. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=22751031&site=ehost-live

Suggested Reading

Anderson, S.A., & Sabatelli, R. A. (2003). Family interaction: A multigenerational developmental perspective. New York, N.Y.: Allyn & Bacon Inc.

Bates, J.S., & Goodsell, T.L. (2013). Male kin relationships: Grandfathers, grandsons, and generativity. Marriage & Family Review, 49Retrieved November 15, 2013, 26–50. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=85148273&site=ehost-live

Brown, F. H. (2006). Reweaving the family tapestry. North Charleston, South Carolina: . Booksurge LLC.

Casper, L. M., & Bianchi, S. M. (2001). Continuity and change in the American family. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.

Gans, D., Lowenstein, A., Katz, R., & Zissimopoulos, J. (2013). Is there a trade-off between caring for children and caring for parents? Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 44, 455–471. Retrieved November 15, 2013 from EBSCO online database, SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=89546215&site=ehost-live

Green, A. (2013). Intergenerational Family Stories: Private, Parochial, Pathological?. Journal Of Family History, 38, 387-402. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from EBSCO Online Database SocINDEX with Full Text. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=91790150

Huston, P. (2001). Families as are we. New York, N.Y.: Feminist Press.

Koller, M.R. (1974). Families: A multigenerational approach. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill.

Essay by Ilanna Mandel, M.A.; Reviewed by Alexandra Howson

Ilanna Mandel is a writer and editor with over seventeen years of experience, specifically in the health and education sectors. Her work has been utilized by corporations, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. She is a published author with one book and numerous articles to her credit. She received her MA in Education from UC Berkeley where she focused on Sociology and Education.

Alexandra Howson Ph.D. taught Sociology for over a decade at several universities in the UK. She has published books and peer reviewed articles on the sociology of the body, gender and health and is an independent researcher, writer and editor based in the Seattle area.