Scoping Review: Intergenerational Resource Transfer and Possible Enabling Factors

Abstract

We explore the intergenerational pattern of resource transfer and possible associated factors. A scoping review was conducted of quantitative, peer-reviewed, English-language studies related to intergenerational transfer or interaction. We searched AgeLine, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts for articles published between Jane 2008 and December 2018. Seventy-five studies from 25 countries met the inclusion criteria. The scoping review categorised resource transfers into three types: financial, instrumental, and emotional support. Using an intergenerational solidarity framework, factors associated with intergenerational transfer were placed in four categories: (1) demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, marital status, education, and ethno-cultural background); (2) needs and opportunities factors, including health, financial resources, and employment status; (3) family structures, namely, family composition, family relationship, and earlier family events; and 4) cultural-contextual structures, including state policies and social norms. Those factors were connected to the direction of resource transfer between generations. Downward transfers from senior to junior generations occur more frequently than upward transfers in many developed countries. Women dominate instrumental transfers, perhaps influenced by traditional gender roles. Overall, the pattern of resource transfer between generations is shown, and the impact of social norms and social policy on intergenerational transfers is highlighted. Policymakers should recognise the complicated interplay of each factor with different cultural contexts. The findings could inform policies that strengthen intergenerational solidarity and support.

Effect of psychosocial motivations and technology on physical activity behaviours among community older men and women

“…Our data confirm high rates of smartphone usage in our community, although these observations regarding smartphone use may be an accompanying social factor rather than a causal factor, one that is closely related to underlying educational levels among those with high aerobic capacity and among men. In certain societies, cultural biases may exist where women take on domestic roles [ 37 ] more often than men, lowering their overall need for a smartphone.…”

Will your child take care of you in your old age? Unequal caregiving received by older parents from adult children in Sweden

“…Parental caregiving has been shown to differ by gender and socioeconomic position of both parents and their adult children (Wong et al 2020 ). However, in Sweden, studies on socioeconomic differences in caregiving have mostly focused on parental social position and not that of the adult child.…”

“…International findings consistently show that daughters are more likely to care for an older parent compared to sons (Wong et al 2020 ), especially if the parent is a mother (Grigoryeva 2017 ; Silverstein et al 2006 ; Szydlik 2016 ). Findings in Sweden are less clear and vary depending on the assessment of caregiving.…”

“…Living close to an adult child facilitates care receipt through more efficient use of time and reduced travel costs. This is particularly significant for regular and demanding care (Pillemer and Suitor 2013 ; Wong et al 2020 ). Decisions to move closer to a child or a parent can be determined by a prospective need to provide care for both older and younger generations (Pettersson and Malmberg 2009 ).…”

Special Issue: Parent–Child Interactions: Paths of Intergenerational Transmission of Psychopathological Risk

“…Their results showed differences between the groups in terms of children’s emotional–adaptive functioning, mothers’ psychological profile, and mother–child interactions during feeding. Finally, Wong et al [ 14 ] presented a very informative review on demographic factors, needs and opportunities factors, family structures, and cultural–contextual structures associated with intergenerational resource transfer.…”