The ‘Caregiving Type’ or Not?Men Navigating Gender and Intergenerational Informal Care in Large Sibling Networks

Abstract

An aging population and policy reforms in the Netherlands are increasing the demand for informal caregivers. Involving sibling networks, including men, can help alleviate the growing caregiving burden. This thesis explores the role of gender and family dynamics in shaping the caregiving experience of adult sons providing informal care to elderly parents within large sibling networks. Adopting a feminist perspective on masculinities and a sociological view of family, the analysis aims to understand the intersection of these dynamics.

This study utilised existing qualitative data from interviews with three Dutch families. Through thematic analysis of 10 male interview transcripts, the research addresses the main question: "How do gender and family dynamics influence the experiences of adult sons (in-law) belonging to a large group of mixed-gender siblings who provide informal care for their elderly parent in the Netherlands?"

Findings suggest that sons are driven by solidarity and duty towards their parents. A unique contribution to literature is the importance sons place on sibling solidarity in this study. Collaborative planning, respect and effective communication were pivotal for sustaining sibling relationships while caring for an elderly parent. Whenever these strategies were not implemented successfully, sibling bonds could suffer. Sons pay high value to their siblings’ well-being, portraying nurturing sides of caring masculinities.

The male caregiving experience is further shaped by the ‘caregiver type’, the parent-child relationship, and sons’ social positionality. Being the caregiver type requires comfort and knowledge of caregiving and is often associated with typically feminine traits of empathy. Sons articulate gendered beliefs, attributable to upbringing, regarding ‘innate’ divisions in life: caregiving for women and chores and paid labour for men. The parent-child bonds prove pivotal for fostering positive caregiving experiences. Thus, acknowledging sons’ importance in informal intergenerational care and sibling networks with their nurturing sides might open opportunities for transgressing gender confines.