Intergenerational Coresidence in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan: Comparative Analyses Based on the East Asian Social Survey 2006

Abstract

A high percentage of elderly parents who live with their adult children is one of the notable living arrangement patterns among senior citizens in East Asia. The present study investigated intergenerational coresidence in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan by using data from East Asian Social Survey 2006. With a sample of couples aged between 20 to 59 who are married, and those whose parents are alive, determinants of intergenerational coresidence were examined by logistic regression. The results revealed that while sharing similar patriarchal norms, intergenerational coresidence has been functioning somewhat differently depending on the socioeconomic condition of each society. In Taiwan, the association between traditional values and coresidence was relatively strong. In South Korea, external constraints may hinder coresidence although their preference and needs for coresidence were high. In Japan, untraditional coresidence that satisfies adult children’s needs was prevalent. In China, both traditional values and needs of parents and adult children were related to coresidence. Implication of differences among East Asian societies is briefly discussed.