Age Relations and Family Ties Over the Life Course: Spanning the Macro–Micro Divide

Abstract

A common divide between macro-and microlevel analyses of family ties and aging separates what happens inside and outside families over the life course. This macro-micro divide, its shortcomings, and possible resolutions are discussed in the context of the recession and economic downturn that began in 2007. Conceptual frameworks that facilitate a multilevel analysis are explored and applied to macrolevel structured social relations, mesolevel social institutions, and microlevel interpersonal relations. The impact of and response to the recession occurs at all three levels; and yet, there is often a disconnect among the recession's repercussions, public and private-sector responses to it, and the efforts made within families to negotiate new circumstances. The value of spanning the macro-micro divide to complement individual adaptation with supportive policy responses in government and the workplace is discussed.

Who Counts as Family Later in Life? Following Theoretical Leads

“…An abiding sociological concern with exploring the connections among macro‐, meso‐, and micro‐level processes has been applied to the study both of aging (Estes, Biggs, & Phillipson, ; Marshall, ) and of family ties over the life course (Connidis, ; Silverstein & Giarrusso, ). In general, at the macro level, political, economic, and social structures create constraints for some and opportunities for others.…”

“…Change at the macro and meso levels, such as longer and healthier lives, a changed economy, new migration patterns, and less stable long‐term relationships, provide opportunities for witnessing family life in action. The recession of 2008 showed extensive support between generations as old parents helped their adult children negotiate a changed labor market or as both generations shared resources such as housing in the wake of lost jobs and pensions (Connidis, ). More old parents are important lifelines to the next generation as their adult children go to school longer, take longer to find secure employment, and delay long‐term relationships and having children in the face of new social and economic realities.…”

“Old age” as a social location: Theorizing institutional processes, cultural expectations, and interactional practices

“…This is particularly true in the context of globalization, corporate restructuring, and economic insecurities stemming from the 2008 recession (Connidis, 2014;Lassus, Lopez, & Roscigno, 2015;Roscigno, 2010). While contemporary economic conditions can also disadvantage younger persons who lack experience, many older workers face threats to their employment when they command higher wages and when workplaces want to do away with the unions older workers more likely belong to (Connidis, 2014;McMullin & Marshall, 2001). Once displaced, it typically takes older job seekers longer than younger persons to regain employment, and the jobs they do take often pay less and require a lower skill level (Berger, 2009;Harris et al, 2018;Lassus et al, 2015).…”

Ambivalence and Living Apart Together in Later Life: A Critical Research Proposal

“…Young adults who LAT usually intend to establish a common home, but cannot do so at present because of practical barriers such as a housing shortage, unemployment, or different locations for work or school (Reimondos et al, [Australia]; Liefbroer, Poortman, & Seltzer, [France and Germany]; Dommermuth, Noack, & Wiik, [Norway]). Recurring recessions have meant that young adults who cannot establish themselves in the labor or housing markets are often obliged to return to their parents' home instead of setting up a household with their partner (Connidis, ). Those who intend to live with their partner once current impediments are resolved or because they are uncertain about their relationship are more accurately viewed as being in a testing period or passing phase than in a long‐term committed relationship.…”