Respect for the elderly in Asia: stability and change

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Respect for the elderly is a significant cultural value in many Asian societies.
• Rapid socioeconomic changes in Asia may be influencing traditional norms and behaviors.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for intergenerational relations and social policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of respect for the elderly in four Asian countries.
• To identify changes in the expression and experience of respect over time.
• To determine the factors driving these changes in respect for the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of data from seventy-nine focus groups.
• Cross-cultural comparison across the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
• Thematic analysis to identify dimensions and changes in respect.

Main Results:

• Five dimensions of respect were identified: gestures/manners, tokens, customs/rituals, seeking advice, and obedience.
• Focus group discussions revealed significant changes across most dimensions of respect.
• Changes were linked to altered family structures, education, income, and modernization.

Conclusions:

• Respect for the elderly in Asia is dynamic and subject to societal transformations.
• Modernization and changing socio-economic factors are key drivers of evolving respect.
• Cultural definitions and expressions of respect for the elderly vary and are adapting.