Harmonised Households: Les Ménages A Ménager ‘Mapping Intergenerational Care: Proximity, Propinquity and Resources in the ‘tacit’ intergenerational contract’ Dr Alex Fanghanel, Prof Sara Randall University College London Dr Ernestina Coast, London School of Economics

‘…in Western societies there is a hegemonic geography of care and responsibility which takes the form of a nested set of Russian dolls. First there is ‘home’, then perhaps place, or locality, then nation, and so on…’ (Massey, 2004: 8-9)

How are older people implicated in intergenerational care arrangements? How is this affected by proximity, propinquity and access to financial resources? What do these exchanges of care mean for the ‘tacit’ intergenerational contract? Where propinquity = affective, emotional closeness And proximity = geographic closeness

Taken for granted/Unexceptional care Normative Difficulties identifying intergenerational contract Inter-familial care within a household Universalistic

How we did it… 32 qualitative interviews 4 sites Household interview grid used to record responses Analysis of types, directions and qualities of intergenerational exchanges, both in and out of the household 3 case studies

Every-day care Practical care Financial/Material Support Child care Co-Habitation Affective help Direct/Indirect Tangible/Intangible Facility Distance Wealth

To whom Help GivenName HRP ReceivedFrom whom Grand Children Everyday care Alan and Sue (poorer household) Practical Neighbours Affective Friends of daughter AffectiveChurch Grandchildren Financial Alice and Bob (wealthier household) Occasional practical help Grandchildren Neighbours Practical Grandchildren Affective Sister Practical Martha and Maurice (middle wealth household) NoneN/A Sister, Son and Family Affective BrotherFinancial