Dr. Ya-Fen Lien
Meiho University, Taiwan
Title: Social construction of Taiwanese intergenerational caregiving
Biography
Biography: Dr. Ya-Fen Lien
Abstract
The family is pivotal to care systems designed for elderly in Taiwan. As rapid social change, shifting family structures and increased life expectancy of elderly has extended caregiving responsibilities beyond dyadic relationships to across three or more generations. A Taiwanese study aimed to explore how sociocultural contexts constructed intergenerational caregiving with a systemic perspective. Using a multiple case study design with theoretical lens of social constructionism, 12 families (32 participants) across three generations were interviewed through community services. Findings showed that three themes were salient to these families as a cultural entity: accepting cultural responsibilities – new realities, intergenerational tensions – competing cultural values, and socio-cultural subjugation. The families were a microsocial group within a macro-social context. At a micro level intergenerational caregiving was shaped by interactions between people in their social world that was dictated by cultural norms and social structures at a macro level. Tensions arose in interpersonal relationships within and across generations as traditional and emerging new sociocultural norms collided. Formal health care services constructed by experts contributed little to assist families in their struggle to maintain normality. The Taiwanese example emphasizes the importance of considering rapid social change which has added an internal cultural conflict and appropriate interventions to better support families who are caring for their elderly.