Impact of Changing Socioeconomic Conditions on Family Caregiving Norms: Evidence from Japan

Abstract

Eldercare is a major public health concern in many East Asian countries, including Japan, because of the ever-growing elderly population, and significant changes in family caregiving norms. The changes are due to global diffusion and the influence of socioeconomic and demographic shifts. Consequently, perceptions of the norm of family caregiving need investigation. We examined how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence the perception of family caregiving norms in Japan, using data from Osaka University’s preference parameter study. According to the results of the probit regression, age, education, full-time employment, marital status, the number of sons and daughters, interactions between females and age and females and full-time employment, and parents’ education are negatively related to the participants’ perceptions of family caregiving norms. Our results suggest that people traditionally perceived as caregivers are less likely to have a positive attitude towards family caregiving, despite the government’s efforts through Universal Long-Term Care Insurance, implemented in 2000. Therefore, authorities must reassess the role of families, explore alternative forms of community-based care, and provide more assistance to caregivers.