Changing Role of Women on Elderly Care: An Analysis from Gender Theory Perspective

Abstract

Traditionally, women's involvement in caregiving activities is considered the primary responsibility of their lives. This expected gender role is influenced by traditional social norms and values, religious beliefs, and cultural practices which have been changing based on present socio-economic conditions. In this study, the role of older women and working women in elderly caregiving settings has been explored through applying the case study method. Older women who are providing care, embrace traditional social norms and values and perform this task with less support and physical and mental sufferings. Involvement in higher education, income earning activities, migration trends, cost of living, and change of perception in social values and norms were found as responsible factors for the changing role of women in elderly caregiving settings. Consequently, working women are trying to adopt multiple strategies in providing care to maintain their professional growth, and they expect to provide quality care through utilizing institutional support. In these circumstances, developing an efficient and affordable formal elderly care setting is vital not only for providing required elderly care but also for supporting the women in contributing to the economy of the country by self-growth.