Modernisation and filial piety among traditional family care-givers: a study of Arab-Israelis in cultural transition

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper was to examine the association of modernisation and filial piety among adult children care-givers of elderly Arab parents in Israel, and to identify factors that mediate the association. Cross-sectional data were collected in 2006–07 through structured interviews with 250 randomly sampled Arab-Israeli adult children care-givers. Hierarchical regression was then applied to the study variables in the respondents’ scores on a culturally relevant filial piety scale. The results revealed a negative correlation between modernisation, as measured by individualistic lifestyle and level of urbanisation, and filial piety scores. The association between individualistic lifestyle and filial piety was partially mediated by perceived care-giver burden. Given the observed trends, programme and policy planners should establish more services that are uniquely suited to the needs of a changing Arab society, in order to provide culturally relevant long-term support for the family network in a period of accelerated modernisation.