Relationships between adults and parents in Asia

Abstract

In East Asia, rapid changes of demographic, social and cultural environments are challenging dynamics of parent-child relationships in Asian families. This chapter discussed relationships between adults and parents as an important element of successful aging in Asia. First, we discussed filial piety and beliefs about family that lay the foundation of parent-child relationships. Second, regarding actual behaviors in parent-child relationships, we considered patterns of living arrangements and provision of support, and then reviewed empirical findings about how these patterns of intergenerational exchanges impact the well-being of the elderly parents. Lastly, our discussion included emotional aspects of parent-child relationships. Our review revealed variations in the mode of support and filial beliefs, indicating that Asian families are adjusting to changing social economic environment and renegotiating traditional notions of filial piety. To capture the changing modes of intergenerational support and the underlying norms in culturally sensitive ways, we need to consider various aspects of parent-child relationships from both perspective of parents and children.