Caregiving and Carereceiving Relationships of Older South Asians

Abstract

We explored the relationships in two societies between prevailing family values, the provision and receipt of help (functional solidarity), and emotional closeness (affective solidarity). The sample comprised Indian Gujaratis and Punjabis, and Bangladeshi Sylhetis living in the United Kingdom or in South Asia (n = 572, age = 55+). Most relationships were independent of caregiving or carereceipt. Help was more likely to be provided by sons than daughters, although more daughters provided help to older Punjabis in the UK than in South Asia. Emotional closeness was related to functional solidarity for Punjabis (both areas), and Sylhetis (UK). In conclusion, there were differences between South Asian groups in the extent to which they acculturate, remain separate, or enculturate in the host society.