Introduction

This chapter explores reciprocal dimensions of intergenerational relations and examines current exchange practices and rationales in the context of the severe environments found in Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular it examines the role of grandparents in family support practices, and the challenges presented to them by the rapid disappearance of the middle generation due to the epidemic of HIV and AIDS in the region.

Confronted by the pandemic problem of HIV and AIDS, Africa is beginning to rediscover and apply things that have worked in the past in terms of building tacit intergenerational relationships in an era of globalisation. Grandparenting has become even more salient today since many Sub-Saharan nations lack viable, well-monitored social policies that could provide better modern alternatives to the challenges presented by the large numbers of orphans created by the HIV and AIDS crisis. Despite rich natural resources, the wealth of Sub-Saharan Africa has not translated sufficiently into development, largely due to endless civil wars, border conflicts and weak structures for democratic governance (Oduaran, 2008). For example, the healthcare systems in many countries of the region have not been able to meet with existing expectations. Even if medical care is available, people need to travel long distances to receive it. While HIV and AIDS are decimating their human capital, the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa have witnessed new trends in and new importance of grandparenting, which is the main focus of this chapter.

Sub-Saharan Africa consists of the nations located below the Saharan desert. In recent times, these nations have undergone tremendous socioeconomic and demographic changes. These changes have tacitly affected relationships among generations, which have moved away from conventional ideologies and practices. The Western monolithic system that largely conceptualises the ideal family as one consisting of a man, his wife and their children has been attractive to the educated African elites for a very long time. Under the nuclear family model it was becoming very difficult for any educated person to embrace the extended family system by virtue of the fact that the much needed resources may not be available for the judicious care of immediate family. Yet it is the extended family system that has kept many ‘traditional’ African families going during a period of tremendous social pressure. At the same time, however, the traditional African family system has also undergone some measure of transformation mainly due to new challenges the nations were facing.