Family Networks and Helping Patterns

Abstract

Stereotypes about the social worlds of the aged are well established. Not only is it assumed that children seldom visit aged parents, but also norms of filial responsibility are said to be increasingly weaker and consequently the elderly are alone, isolated, and often without needed assistance in the later years. If these assumptions are correct, then the situation should be especially acute for rural men. There has been extensive out-migration of the young from rural areas over the last four decades and it would be anticipated that this would have a significant effect on rates of intergenerational contact. Men in later life, further, are expected to withdraw from groups and organizational involvements and to follow more solitary pursuits. Therefore, in our investigation we were especially interested in the family and support networks of men in rural areas.