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The Sociology of Caregiving pp 97–121Cite as

Ethnic Variations in Caregiving

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Part of the book series: Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice ((CSRP))

Abstract

Caregiving is related to the ethnic and cultural context in which the caregiving takes place. One theme that emerged from a literature review is the preference among Hispanics, Asian Americans, and African Americans for family caregiving over formal services and institutional care. Often these ethnic groups were unaware of the existence of services or did not know how to access them. In addition, ethnic group members found service providers and services discriminatory, disrespectful, and culturally insensitive. Additional barriers to the use of services included language barriers, inconvenient hours, problems of accessibility, cost, and availability of staff. Caregivers in rural areas are often isolated and without training in performing caregiving tasks. Faith-based organizations, local or neighborhood centers, may be culturally appropriate ways to reach people with information as well as forming caregiver support groups. Church-based health promotion programs have been found to be effective.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

    John G. Bruhn

  2. Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA

    Howard M. Rebach

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  1. John G. Bruhn
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  2. Howard M. Rebach
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Correspondence to John G. Bruhn .

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Bruhn, J., Rebach, H. (2014). Ethnic Variations in Caregiving. In: The Sociology of Caregiving. Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8857-1_8

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