Abstract
This article examines intergenerational solidarity and care arrangements for ageing populations in Southern and Eastern European countries, where familistic welfare regimes place primary responsibility for elder care on families.
Key Findings
- Family-based care systems face increasing strain due to demographic changes and women’s rising labour market participation
- Transnational care chains have emerged as a significant feature of elder care in sending countries
- Public services for older people remain inadequately developed in most study countries
- Intergenerational support flows are increasingly bidirectional, with older people providing economic support to younger generations
Methodology
Comparative analysis of intergenerational solidarity patterns using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) supplemented by qualitative interviews with family caregivers.
Implications
The article argues for the development of comprehensive elder care policies that support rather than substitute family care, while building adequate public services to address the growing gap between care needs and family capacity.
