Work and Eldercare: Reciprocity Between Older Mothers and Their Employed Daughters

ABSTRACT This research broadens the understanding of the relationship between paid work and caregiving by including the contribution of the older “care recipient”. Using selected aspects of social exchange theory and a life course perspective, the importance of giving and receiving for caregivers and care recipients is explored through analyses of focus groups with employed women and interviews with their older mothers. The mothers and daughters focus on the time when they are most indebted to each other. The daughter's employment affects the type and value of contributions from care recipients. The mother's past assistance with housework and caring for children is greatly valued by the daughters. For care recipients, however, being reliant on a busy employee for their care has negative consequences. The mothers emphasize the current situation and under-estimate their past helping. Further research should consider the care recipient's perspective to obtain a broader understanding of the impact of the caregiver's employment in caregiving relationships.