RESIDENTIAL SEPARATION AND PATTERNS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ELDERLY PARENTS AND THEIR ADULT CHILDREN

For the majority of elderly people, ties with adult children represent the most important extramarital component of their family networks, i nformal support systems and social relationships. The main purpose of this article is to examine theoretical and empirical research contribu tions which address the geographical context of these intergenerationa l ties. Theoretical perspectives are outlined concerning spatial aspec ts of kin networks in industrial and postindustrial society, and the e ffects of distinctive Life-course events on residential mobility. Empi rical research findings on the determinants and social consequences of intergenerational spatial separation are then reviewed. Overall, spat ial separation is disclosed as a key factor governing both the amounts and styles of interaction between parents and adult children. However , some recent results suggest that trends towards economic instability and family disruption associated with postindustrial change are limit ing the potential for intergenerational spatial propinquity and intera ction, especially within lower-income families. On the basis of a disc ussion of the theoretical and policy implications of the empirical fin dings, suggestions are offered for further geographical research on in tergenerational ties.