GUEST EDITORS' PREFACE: SPECIAL ISSUE NEGOTIATING GRANDPARENTING: STYLES AND STRATEGIES IN A CHANGING PACIFIC

Authors

M. Jocelyn Armstrong, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Juliana Flinn, University of Arkansas at Little RockFollow

Abstract

This preface introduces a collection of anthropological studies that explore grandparenting practices in Pacific societies, situating them within the global context of population aging and evolving family dynamics. As longevity increases worldwide, grandparenting has gained prominence across disciplines and regions. This volume highlights how cultural values, historical contexts, and contemporary changes—such as shifts in education, economy, migration, and family structure—shape the roles and meanings of grandparents in Pacific communities. Three key themes emerge: the relationship between grandparenting and elder status, the diverse styles of grandparenting influenced by identity factors like gender and ethnicity, and grandparenting as an adaptive strategy in times of sociocultural transformation. The project originated from collaborative sessions at the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania and is grounded in extensive fieldwork. Ultimately, the preface frames grandparenting as a rich site for examining both tradition and adaptation in Pacific societies navigating modern change.

Recommended Citation

Armstrong, M. Jocelyn and Flinn, Juliana (2008) "GUEST EDITORS' PREFACE: SPECIAL ISSUE NEGOTIATING GRANDPARENTING: STYLES AND STRATEGIES IN A CHANGING PACIFIC," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 30: No. 3, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol30/iss3/1