Date of Award
2024
First Advisor
Anne O'Dwyer
Second Advisor
Amy Smith
Abstract
Multiple caregiving—when more than one caregiver or individual provides care and nurturing for a child—has received little attention in the social studies scholarship. Multiple caregiving is more common than many believe, although it may occur differently in different cultural contexts. Multiple caregivers can include a child's parents, grandparents, older siblings, other family members, daycare providers, teachers, and others. In this qualitative study, I explore how multiple caregiving may influence a person's social, emotional, and cognitive development. I interviewed approximately 14 adults in the U.S. Northeast and Accra, Ghana to understand their experiences with and various dimensions of multiple caregiving. I draw upon Bronfrenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (1979) and Baumrind's (1966) categories of parenting styles to explore with participants the consistency of their different caregivers' approaches to providing care. I hope this study will help inform people about the prevalence of multiple caregiving as well as its benefits.
Recommended Citation
Addo, Kai, "The Benefits of Multiple Caregivers: Nurturing Growth In The US and Ghana" (2024). Senior Theses. 1686.
https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/sr-theses/1686
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