Caregiving for parents and parents-in-law: Is gender important?

Abstract

This article analyzes cross-sectional data collected from 1,585 employed caregivers of parents and parents-in-law. Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the additive and multiplicative effects of relationship status (parent or parent-in-law) and gender on caregiving activities, resources, and costs. Findings indicate that both the caregiver's gender and the elder's gender are associated with care provided to and from parents and parents-in-law. Results also show that daughters-in-law are especially vulnerable because they receive few resources from elders. Practice implications and directions for future research are discussed.