Intergenerational exchanges in Vietnam: Family size, sex composition, and the location of children

Abstract

This study examines variations in intergenerational support by family size, family composition, and location of children in Vietnam. Results from two regional surveys confirm the central role of children in assisting elderly parents but relationships with family size depend on the type of support considered. Co-residence with married children varies little with family size but incidence of material support, and the numbers providing it, increases with the number of children. Non-co-resident sons and daughters differ minimally in providing material and social support. In the north, co-residence with married children is limited largely to sons while in the south more flexibility is evident. While having a son increases the chance of co-residence, having more than one son has no additional effect. Although future elderly will have smaller family sizes this is unlikely to have a major adverse impact on their well-being except possibly for northern elders without sons.