The Strengths of Apache Grandmothers: Observations on Commitment, Culture and Caretaking

Abstract

Norms for American Indian grandparenting differ sharply from those for grandparenting in the wider society. In contrast to Anglo patterns of grandparental “detachment,” “retirement,” and “empty nest,” Indian grandparenting is often a time of intense family responsibility, economic challenge, and nest filled to overflowing. An exploratory, qualitative study of grandmothering among the White Mountain Apache, based largely on indepth interviews with grandmothers and their adult children (N= 18), reveals that Apache grandmothers commonly assume ultimate responsibility for the care of grandchildren, a role that requires economic resourcefulness, hard work, and commitment. A description of contemporary Apache grandmothering is followed by a comparison of selected themes and issues in both ethnic contexts. In a pattern of family strength amid adversity, the grandmothers anchor the cultural heritage and the physical wellbeing of the Apache people.