Development of a Typology of Dual-Earner Couples Caring for Children and Aging Parents

Abstract

Using a national sample of 267 couples, the authors identify distinct profiles of dual-earner couples in the sandwiched generation (i.e., those caring for children and aging parents) using cluster analysis and then assess the relationship between these profiles and work—family conflict. The profiles are defined by characteristics of couples' child care demands (age and number of children), parent care demands (hours spent as caregiver each week), and work-role demands (hours worked per week). Three distinct profiles of sandwiched couples emerge: a high child care demands group, a high parent care demands group, and a high work demands group. The authors find differences in work-to-family conflict across the three groups but not differences in family-to-work conflict. Implications for work life practitioners and human resource managers are discussed.