Primary and Proximate

Abstract

This article examines the influence of specific characteristics of the caregiving relationship, including coresidence and being the primary provider of care, on sons' filial care involvement. This work focuses on the gendered nature of care by classifying tasks as traditional or nontraditional for men. Data for this research come from the Work and Family Survey (1991-1993) conducted by the Work and Eldercare Research Group of CARNET: The Canadian Aging Research Network, and is based on a sample of 440 men who provide some type of assistance to only one older parent or parent-in-law. The framework that guides this work is structured on concepts related to family obligations or motivations to provide care. This research finds that coresiding predicts greater involvement in nontraditional care; being the primary provider of care predicts greater involvement in traditional care. Results are discussed in relation to the conceptual framework that guides this research.