ANU project to document the history of grandparenting in Australia

The history of grandparenting in Australia is being documented for the first time in a new project led by experts from The Australian National University (ANU).

According to the research team, while grandparents play a fundamental role in many families, including sharing the load of caring for children, they’ve often been overlooked in Australian history.

“Our preliminary data shows that generations of Australians have benefited from grandparenting far beyond its economic value,” ANU demographer Dr Liz Allen said.

“Almost 6 in 10 adults were cared for by their grandparents growing up. More than two thirds of grandparents providing care do so at least monthly.”

Despite many Australian families relying heavily on grandparents, “grandparenthood” as a specific role is a relatively modern concept.

“The 20th century saw significant social changes in countries like Australia. Lower fertility rates, falling child mortality, and longer life expectancy were all major contributors,” Dr Allen said.

“No-fault divorce, which came into effect in Australia in 1975, allowed grandparents to apply for a parenting order to spend time with their grandchildren. This in turn led to new public conversations about the rights of grandparents.

“And in more recent times, an ageing population has led to even greater potential for grandparenting.”

According to Dr Allen, the stories of our grandparents are also closely linked to our history of migration.

“Nearly half the Australian population has a parent born overseas. Their histories help us understand Australia’s national identity and nation building in the postwar era,” she said.

“As part of the project, we’ll be conducting interviews with people of Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, English and other backgrounds.

“Without these important conversations about grandparenting we may lose the opportunity to preserve and understand the stories of family, caregiving and culture that are part of our history.”

You can find updates about the project and further details about how to get involved at grandparentsaustralia.net.