Parents’ expectations of familial elder care under the neoliberal Hong Kong society
Author(s)
Author(s)
Leung, V. W. Y
Liang, Y.
Date Issued
2020
Publisher
Sage Publications
Journal
Journal of Family Issues
Volume
41
Issue
4
Start page
437
End page
459
Abstract
Previous studies have examined the shifts in traditional familial values among Chinese populations. It was argued that the values have diminished or eroded due to Westernization and modernization. Instead of the collectivist-individualist divide, this study aims to understand the role of neoliberal discourse in Hong Kong Chinese parents' beliefs in familial values and elder care. Using data from 120 in-depth individual interviews with parents of different generations, this study found four themes: (1) the notion of self-reliance; (2) the intertwinement of neoliberal ideas and filial values; (3) redefinition of filial behaviors; and (4) commodification of care. Results suggest that the changes in parents' filial beliefs have shifted senior care responsibilities from families to individuals and the private market. It creates a disjuncture between care arrangement and governmental welfare; more comprehensive pension and senior care services are thus needed to respond to societal changes.
SFU Affiliated Publication
No
Availability at SFU Library
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