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Family reciprocity of older Singaporeans

Author

Listed:
  • Lois M. Verbrugge

    (University of Michigan)

  • Shannon Ang

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan
    Nanyang Technological University)

Abstract

Reciprocity is a powerful motivation in social life. We study what older people give to their family for help received. Data are from the Panel on Health and Aging of Singaporean Elderly, Wave 2 (2011; persons aged 62+; N = 3103). Giving and receiving help are with family members other than spouse in the same household, in the past year. Types of help given and received are money, food/clothes/other material goods, housework/cooking, babysitting grandchildren, emotional support/advice, help for personal care, and help for going out. Multivariate models predict each type of giving help, with independent variables about the older person’s resources, needs, and help received. Reciprocity is demonstrated by positive relationships between receiving and giving help. Results show two kinds of reciprocity: “nontangibles for tangibles” and “same for same.” First, older people give their time and effort in return for money and material goods. This aligns with contemporary Singapore circumstances, in that older people tend to have ample time but limited financial resources, while family members (often midlife children) have the reverse. Second, same-for-same exchanges, such as housework both given and received, are shared tasks in families or normative behaviors in Singapore society. The results replicate and extend prior ones for Singapore. We discuss prospects for change in frequency and shape of family reciprocity as the state continues to modernize.

Suggested Citation

  • Lois M. Verbrugge & Shannon Ang, 2018. "Family reciprocity of older Singaporeans," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 287-299, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:15:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s10433-017-0452-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-017-0452-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ulrike Malmendier & Vera L. te Velde & Roberto A. Weber, 2014. "Rethinking Reciprocity," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 6(1), pages 849-874, August.
    2. Charles Yuji Horioka & Emin Gahramanov & Aziz Hayat & Xueli Tang, 2018. "Why Do Children Take Care Of Their Elderly Parents? Are The Japanese Any Different?," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 59(1), pages 113-136, February.
    3. Kranton, Rachel E, 1996. "Reciprocal Exchange: A Self-Sustaining System," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 86(4), pages 830-851, September.
    4. Patricia A. Thomas, 2010. "Is It Better to Give or to Receive? Social Support and the Well-being of Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 65(3), pages 351-357.
    5. Garrison, Roger W., 1984. "Time and money: The universals of macroeconomic theorizing," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 6(2), pages 197-213.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ang, Shannon & Malhotra, Rahul, 2022. "The filial piety paradox: Receiving social support from children can be negatively associated with quality of life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    2. Angelique Chan & Abhijit Visaria & Bina Gubhaju & Stefan Ma & Yasuhiko Saito, 2021. "Gender differences in years of remaining life by living arrangement among older Singaporeans," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 453-466, December.
    3. Xinyu He & Daniel T. L. Shek & Wenbin Du & Yangu Pan & Yin Ma, 2022. "The Relationship between Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being among Older People in the Chinese Culture Context: The Mediating Effect of Reciprocity Beliefs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-14, December.

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