Dual Burdens of Care: 'Sandwiched Couples' in East Asia

Tan, Poh Lin. 2018. “Dual Burdens of Care: ‘Sandwiched Couples in East Asia’”. Journal of Aging and Health 30(10): 1574-1594.

34 Pages Posted: 25 Nov 2020 Last revised: 17 Feb 2021

See all articles by Poh Lin Tan

Poh Lin Tan

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Date Written: September 5, 2018

Abstract

To estimate proportions of married couples aged 30 to 59 years who face simultaneous demands from elderly parents and children in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, and the effects on couples’ life and marital satisfaction. Method: Using data from the 2006 East Asian Social Survey, proportions of sandwiched couples were estimated using three definitions: co-residence, co-residence or nearby residence, and co-residence or frequent provision of financial/physical assistance. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects on life and marital satisfaction. Results: Three-generational co-residence is more common in Taiwan and Japan (24.3% and 21.4%), whereas co-residence or provision for both generations is higher in Taiwan and Korea (53.7% and 44.5%). The strain of being sandwiched is associated with lower life and marital satisfaction only among women. Discussion: Intergenerational transfers of care play a major role in elderly support in East Asia but take a toll on the well-being of married women.

Keywords: Sandwiched Generation, East Asia, Intergenerational Families, Co-Residence, Transfers

JEL Classification: J12, J12, J14

Suggested Citation

Tan, Poh Lin, Dual Burdens of Care: 'Sandwiched Couples' in East Asia (September 5, 2018). Tan, Poh Lin. 2018. “Dual Burdens of Care: ‘Sandwiched Couples in East Asia’”. Journal of Aging and Health 30(10): 1574-1594. , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3703432 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3703432

Poh Lin Tan (Contact Author)

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy ( email )

Singapore 117591
Singapore

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