Exploring Intergenerational Relations in a Multi-cultural Context: The Example of Filial Responsibility in Mauritius

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes towards filial responsibility amongst dyads of parents and young adult children using qualitative data from Mauritius, and to draw on the intergenerational solidarity-conflict and ambivalence frameworks to see whether they provide relevant interpretive tools for understanding these attitudes in a multi-cultural society. The study shows that although both generations agree that younger kin should support parents in later life, their motives vary: parents' attitudes reflect norms of obligation, children those of reciprocity; parents want autonomy and independence, but are ambivalent about expectations of future support. Both generations think providing support will be mediated by past parent-child relationships, socialization experiences, gender expectations and cultural tradition. The study suggests that attitudes towards filial responsibility are influenced by a broad set of mechanisms, which can be equated with concepts of structure, function, association, consensus and norm, as well as conflict and ambivalence.

Transcultural adaptation of the filial responsibility interview schedule for Brazil*

“…It is evident that social rules exert influence on the behaviour of children, because society can observe and judge attitudes in relation to care for elderly parents (Funk & Stajduhar 2009). Social rules on filial responsibility, as noted previously, make explicit the role of gender (Funk 2005; Hillcoat‐Nallétamby 2010). In this study, the women assumed the task of caring for a parent or husband as a natural obligation.…”

“…This supports the debate on intergenerational relations in which the author asserts that there is 'an implicit contract in families which parents look after the children and hope they will care for them in old age' (Goldani 2004, p. 224). The expectation of care is built on family relationships throughout life and, therefore, depends on the bonds of affection, solidarity relationships of care for older people, values and beliefs transmitted between generations, as noted in other studies (Hillcoat-Nallétamby 2010). In this sense, the personal attitudes of filial responsibility are developed as teaching children to allow them in the future to provide care for their parents (Chappell & Funk 2009).…”

Filial expectation among Chinese immigrants in the United States of America: a cohort comparison

“…On the contrary, our findings show that despite having high levels of acculturation, younger immigrants still are highly committed to providing care to their ageing parents. Previous research has found that younger generations may feel obligated to support their parents out of a sense of reciprocity or gratitude (Hillcoat-Nallétamby, 2010; Yoo and Kim, 2010). It is possible that this sense of reciprocity remains strong even as individuals adjust to lives in a new culture.…”

“…It seems the two generations also differ in what they believe is important in filial expectation. Hillcoat-Nallétamby (2010) found that older parents’ beliefs about filial piety reflected cultural norms of obligation, while young adults felt they should support their parents out of a sense of reciprocity.…”

Distancing sedation in end-of-life care from physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia

“…(52,53) This relational concept of personhood defined by relational ties between family members is also evident in other religions and societies throughout the world. (54)(55)(56)(57)(58) However, Kitwood and Buron suggest that a combination of relational and social elements contribute to individual conceptions of personhood within the dementia setting, while Bishop Merrill's study of American students suggests that there is a wider combination of individual, relational and innate elements to personalised defi nitions of personhood.…”