2010-09-08-皮尤-Since_the_Start_of_the_Great_Recession,_More_Children_Raised_by_Grandparents_7页_242kb

Since the onset of the Great Recession in 2007-2008, the number of children raised by their grandparents in the United States has significantly increased, rising from approximately 2.5 million in 2007 to 2.9 million in 2008, or a 5-6% jump. This trend reflects economic strains following the recession, with grandparents stepping in as primary caregivers for various reasons, such as parental unemployment or absence. Overall, from 2000 to 2008, the total number of children living with grandparent caregivers grew by 8%, though the sharpest rise occurred during the recession.

Key population differences include higher rates among Hispanic and black families, with white grandparents seeing the largest percentage increase (9% from 2007-2008). About half (49%) of these children live with a single parent or no parents, while three-quarters (75%) are cared for primarily by grandmothers, who are also more likely to be female and in poverty (nearly 18% below poverty level). Most caregivers are under 60, with long-term involvement (54% caring for over three years), often linked to providing childcare and support to adult children.

The report highlights that many grandparents view childcare responsibilities as not their duty, with 68% of Americans disagreeing, though 38% of grandparents with grandchildren believe caring for grandchildren is particularly valuable and a key benefit of aging. Ratings for grandparent caregiving are high, with 31% rating it as excellent or very good, slightly higher among younger and female caregivers.

This increase is tied to demographic shifts and economic factors, emphasizing the role of grandparents in modern family support systems.

(People also asked for summary in Chinese. Sohere is the summary in Chinese)
自大萧条开始以来，越来越多的孩子由祖父母抚养，2007-2008年急剧增长5-6%，达数百万人。主要原因是经济压力和家庭变动，尤其白人家庭中增幅最大。约半数儿童与单亲或无人共同生活，多数由祖母主要照顾，贫困率较高。祖父母常提供经济和日常帮助，但多数人认为这不是其责任，尽管他们将其视为老年生活益处和获得更多正评的关键。这一趋势反映了社会支持结构的变化和经济因素的影响。