Theoretical Orientations on Skipped Generation Households

Grandfamilies/skipped generation households (SGHs) have been studied by different authors from different perspectives. These perspectives can be grouped into two broad categories which include theories that explore the positive aspects of grandfamilies for both grandparents and grandchildren, while others explore the negative aspects of this type of households. Among theories that explored the positive aspects of the SGH are the disengagement theory of aging, life span developmental approach and attachment theory (Baugh, E. J., Taylor, A. C., & Bates, J. S., Encyclopedia of Family Studies 1−9, 2016; Brintnall-Peterson, M., Poehlmann, J., Morgan, K., & Shlafer, R., The Gerontologist 49:276−282, 2009; Poehlmann, J., Journal of Family Psychology 19:350, 2005), and the grandmother hypothesis and intergenerational solidarity theory (Dolbin-MacNab, M. L., & Yancura, L. A., The International Journal of Aging and Human Development 86:3−33, 2018). On the other hand, family stress theory (Fruhauf, C. A., Yancura, L. A., Greenwood-Junkermeier, H., Riggs, N. R., Fox, A. L., Mendoza, A. N., & Ooki, N., Journal of Family Theory & Review 12:478−491, 2020; Landry-Meyer, L., Gerard, J.M., & Guzell, J.R., Marriage & Family Review 37:171−190, 2005) and intersectionality theory (Dolbin-MacNab, M. L., & Few-Demo, A. L., Grandparenting practices around the world. Policy Press, 2018; Minkler, M., & Fuller-Thomson, E., The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 60:S82-S92, 2005; Smith-Ruiz, D., & Jason, K., The Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare 48:46, 2021) have been predominantly used to explore the negative aspects of skipped generation households on household members. This chapter explores these different theories available in the literature in understanding different aspects of SGH in Nigeria, including its emergence, patterns, support networks/safety nets as well as opportunities and challenges, among others, within this type of households.