Today grandparents are more important than in the past. They live longer, are healthier, and thus enjoy greater opportunities for sharing life experiences with younger generations. Their relationships with grandchildren are tighter and more affectionate, in that they are based on care relationships that allow mothers to participate in the labour market. Grandparents also provide a solid reference point in moments of family crisis and transformation, such as a separation, a divorce, or relocation. This book describes the variety of aspects involving a role that, despite change, endures through time, thus showing how family solidarity can help relieve family fragility.

Anna Laura Zanatta used to teach sociology of the family at "La Sapienza" University in Rome.