GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAREGIVING PRACTICES AND MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS OF SANDWICH GENERATION COUPLES IN MUMBAI

Abstract

Over the next few decades, the most important demographic trend for the Asia Pacific region will be population aging. The increasing aging population in India and the fact that the economic dependence of the older adults is high and the cost of education and child care is on the rise pose serious challenges to generations of individuals and couples who are expected to take care of both their children and their parents. This study's primary objective is to comprehensively understand the effects of giving care to their children and their parents on various aspects of the life of sandwich generation couples. The study uses primary data of 300 multigenerational households and 100 two-generation/one-generation households in Mumbai. Specifically, the study attempts to understand the effect of giving care to two generations on the marital relationship of the caregiving couples. Additionally, the study also explores gender differences in caregiving practices. Results from bivariate and multivariate analyses show that providing simultaneous care to two generations significantly impacts the marital relationship of the sandwiched couples as opposed to couples staying in one/two-generation households. Results also show considerable gender differences in caregiving roles and time spent on caregiving. Women spend more time assisting in household activities, while men are more likely to provide monetary support. Thus, extensive research on the sandwich generation in India is necessary to ensure the socio-economic well-being of the couples, the welfare of their children and parents, and the physical and psychosocial health of these couples.