Maintaining solidarity across generations in New Zealand: Support from mid‐life adult to ageing parent

Abstract

This paper establishes the key factors influencing functional solidarity-the material and emotional support mid-life New Zealanders provide to an ageing parent or in-law. Using the theoretical framework of intergenerational family solidarity, empirical analysis draws on the 1997 Transactions in the Mid-Life Family survey of individuals aged 40-54. Results indicate that mature, adult children with no partner and living far from their parent are the least likely to provide emotional and in-kind help and will be more hesitant to offer emotional support to in-laws compared to their own parents. Adult children of Christian background, and possibly those who are homemakers and not employed, are more likely to provide in-kind help, but those in rural areas are less likely. Surprisingly, ill health, a large household, being employed, and continuing to provide help to a young adult child who has left home do not necessarily hinder the respondent in helping an ageing parent. The argument that intergenerational relations are increasingly subject to compromise as mid-lifers face unprecedented demands for support from other generations needs critical consideration. Further analysis should consider the cultural significance of intergenerational transactions, and how they may be influenced by the cognitive-affective dimensions of intergenerational family solidarity.

Caring for grandchildren and intergenerational support in rural China: a gendered extended family perspective

“…Emotional support is another crucial dimension of intergenerational support stipulated by filial piety, which expects that financial support and hands-on help must be delivered with respect and love (Sung 1998). In addition, emotional values of children have increased after the industrial revolution and during the process of modernisation because of social and cultural changes (Alwin 1990; Hillcoat-Nallétamby and Dharmalingam 2006; Inglehart and Baker 2000; Yan 2003). Because of these, emotional support sometimes is more effective than other dimensions of support in improving Chinese elders' psychological wellbeing and physical health, and reducing their mortality (Cong and Silverstein 2008 a ; Li, Song and Feldman 2009; Silverstein, Cong and Li 2006; Zhang, Li and Silverstein 2005).…”

0 to 90: Designing private and public space for growing old and growing up

“…The first is with younger family members, as more parents are choosing to delay child birth, creating a unique situation where elderly members outnumber the young. This also compromises the family support which was previously given to their grandparents by their parents, creating a reduction in solidarity across generations (Hillcoat-Nallétamby & Dharmalingam, 2006). This leaves a vulnerable quarter of the population to physically and mentally support themselves.…”