Family relations in changing times: a longitudinal study of five cohorts of women

Abstract

A major aim of contemporary research on multigenerational families is to investigate changes in intergenerational dynamics within the context of changing historical times. We highlight ways in which recent historical trends such as population aging, changing patterns of family formation and dissolution, changing life cycle boundaries and women’s increased laborforce participation have altered family structures, functions, and role expectations, especially those of women. Illustrating the usefulness of the life course perspective in family research, results from a longitudinal study of five cohorts of women are presented. Findings show that in midlife Baby Boom women are significantly more depressed and have lower self‐esteem than older cohorts of women, despite their earlier advantages. Work/family stress contributed to higher depression. Baby Boom women dissatisfied with their marriages were significantly more depressed in midlife than Silent Generation women, at comparable levels of dissatisfaction, suggesting the meaning of marriage may have shifted. Biographical and historical timing appeared to matter for the psychological functioning of Baby Boom women in midlife. Silent Generation women did not have to juggle work and family in the same way as Baby Boom women. Having started their child bearing at a later age, Baby Boomers were then confronted by a changing economy, the intensified demands of work and family and the growing contingency of marriage and employment.

Citation

Putney, N.M. and Bengtson, V.L. (2005), "Family relations in changing times: a longitudinal study of five cohorts of women", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 92-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330510791144