Generational juggling acts in midlife families: gendered and ethnocultural intersections

J Women Aging. 2014;26(4):332-50. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2014.907666.

Abstract

This study draws upon a sociocultural stress and coping perspective to examine generational demands in midlife families. It examines both the predictors and family-related circumstances that contribute to perceptions of greater demand, with a focus on gendered and ethnocultural dimensions. Using mixed-methods, data are based on a sample of 236 parents collected in 2006/2007 from four cultural groups: British-, Chinese-, Southern European-, and South Asian Canadian. Key findings reveal that caregiving experiences remain highly gendered and are mediated by ethnocultural background and other work/family contextual characteristics. Recommendations for those who work directly with culturally diverse "sandwiched" generation families are highlighted.

Keywords: ethnocultural diversity; midlife caregiving; mixed methods; sandwich generation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • British Columbia
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Family Characteristics / ethnology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parent-Child Relations / ethnology
  • Stress, Psychological / ethnology*