Sibling Structure, Birth Order, and Upward Intergenerational Support in East Asia

Kai Feng, University of Pennsylvania
Hyun Jin Kim, University of Pennsylvania

Fertility declines in East Asia have increased the proportion of only children and those with senior birth order, but their impact on intergenerational support behaviors and attitudes remains unclear. The caregiving constraint perspective suggests that individuals without siblings may be more likely to provide care and support strong public assistance due to caregiving stress. Conversely, social exchange theory and Confucian norms predict that only children and first-borns might experience a heightened sense of personal obligation to provide care. Using the 2016 East Asian Social Survey, we examine how individuals’ frequency of support to parents and attitudes towards older adult care vary based on sibling structure and birth order. Our findings indicate that upward intergenerational support varies depending on sibling structure, though its significance varies by the type of support and societal context. Contrary to Confucian norms, first-born sons do not necessarily provide more support to parents than later-born siblings. Notably, Taiwan emerges as a major outlier, with distinct patterns in the relationship between sibling structure, birth order, and intergenerational support compared to other East Asian societies. The results highlight sibling structure as a key factor influencing intergenerational support behaviors and attitudes in East Asia, with notable differences across societies.

Keywords: Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Gender Dynamics, Population Ageing, Families, Unions and Households

See paper.