Intergenerational Familial Relations in the West and in India: Role of Gender

Page: 266-270
Salma Seth1 and Narendra K. Chadha2 (Department of Applied Psychology, Vivekananda College, University of Delhi, Delhi1 and Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi2)

Gender plays a challenging role in intergenerational relationships within the families in the West and in India too. Research highlights the emphasis on the social constructionist paradigm in the West and the psychodynamic perspective (emphasising inner family dynamics) adopted in India in order to understand and explain the gender differences in family exchanges. A synthesis of the two approaches may not be possible due to differences in methodology and variations in culture. However, such knowledge could stimulate research using different methodologies in different cultures for an in-depth understanding of the role of gender in intergenerational familial relationships.