Attitudes towards filial responsibility between 2001 and 2017 in Europe

Abstract

This study examines how attitudes towards filial responsibility (AFR) have changed in 11 European countries between 2001 and 2017, based on data from the International Social Survey Programme. The countries represent different types of welfare states and family traditions. The study also analysed the interconnectedness of age and gender. Results show that in 2017 people felt less filial responsibility than in 2001 in 10 countries. Only in Great Britain did the AFR show a positive change. Negative changes were most evident in Hungary, France, Denmark, and Finland. The negative change appear to have occurred in both genders and across all age groups and was predominent among late middle-aged women. However, although the intensity of AFR change varied, it was difficult to determine clear patterns in the country-by-country variations. The results have negative implications for political proposals on long-term care for older adults supported by younger generations.

Step-gap in attitudes toward filial responsibilities among younger and middle-aged Germans?

“…Despite evidence that attitudes toward filial obligations may have weakened in Western countries (Kääriäinen, et al, 2022), several surveys have shown that most people still believe that adult children should take care of their older parents (Gans & Silverstein, 2006;Herlofson et al, 2011). However, attitudes toward filial obligations vary between countriesfor example, in relation to respondents' age, gender, and labor market status (e.g., Lowenstein & Daatland, 2006: Daatland & Herlofson, 2003Dykstra, 2010;Herlofson et al, 2011).…”