Abstract
This study explored intergenerational attachment dynamics between Black South African
mothers and their first-born daughters, situating narratives within their socio-cultural contexts.
Guided by Archer’s critical realist framework, the research examined how maternal absence,
early caregiving responsibilities, and gendered expectations shaped relational patterns across generations. A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with ten
purposively selected participants (five mother-daughter dyads), where participation required
both the mother and her first-born daughter. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed that grandmothers frequently assumed primary caregiving roles, first-born daughters carried
disproportionate emotional and practical responsibilities, and cultural norms both reinforced
and challenged gendered caregiving expectations. The findings highlight the significance of
communal caregiving practices and demonstrate how daughters negotiated inherited
obligations through reflexive agency. This study contributes to culturally grounded
understandings of attachment by recognising the interplay of structure, culture, and agency in
maternal lineage.