ABSTRACT
This chapter explores commonalities of grandparenting in the countries of Central America and Mexico, and diversity rooted in culture, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic conditions. It employs the framework of Pinazo Hernandis to describe mutual help and support between grandparents and grandchildren, and grandparents' roles as sources of identity, role models, caregivers, socialization agents, and transmitters of culture. A classic theory that may aid in understanding the issues that grandparents encounter is developmental theory. Grandparents may receive not only physical help and support from their grandchildren, but also less tangible benefits. Beyond transmission of cultural values, grandparents may be role models and sources of identity. The geographical distance between grandparents and their grandchildren undoubtedly influences their relationship. Grandparenting varies according to economic conditions, rural/urban residence, culture, and age. Three specific phenomena may affect the relations between grandparents and grandchildren in Central America and Mexico: religion, the growth of youth gangs, and the migration of members of the parent generation.
