Unemployment and Family Dynamics in Meeting the Needs of Chinese Elderly in the United States

Abstract

The effects of unemployment on the discomfort level of providing financial support and housing for a group of Midwestern Chinese American elderly were examined. Married, employed females were more likely to give money to their parents and in-laws than single, unemployed respondents, and employment decreased the discomfort level of respondents who were meeting the needs of elderly relatives. Finally, one spouse's discomfort in meeting such needs affected the discomfort of the other spouse.