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Kinlessness Around the World.

Ashton M Verdery1, Rachel Margolis2, Zhangjun Zhou1

  • 1Department of Sociology and Criminology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
|November 14, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Globally, the number of older adults without living relatives is increasing due to demographic shifts. Kinlessness varies by country and is linked to living alone and poorer health outcomes.

Keywords:
Cross-cultural studyDemographyFamily structureKinship

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Area of Science:

  • Demography
  • Sociology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The first and second demographic transitions have significantly altered family structures worldwide.
  • The pace and impact of these demographic shifts differ across various global contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of older adults lacking immediate kin globally.
  • To determine if individuals without kin face uniform disadvantages across different countries.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized survey data from 34 countries, representing 69.6% of the global population over 50.
  • Analyzed macro-level demographic indicators and micro-level sociodemographic and health factors associated with kinlessness.

Main Results:

  • Kinlessness prevalence varies significantly, from over 10% in Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, and Switzerland to under 2% in China and South Korea.
  • Strong correlations exist between kinlessness and fertility, mortality, and nuptiality rates.
  • Individuals without kin are more likely to live alone and often report worse health and lower education, though exceptions exist.

Conclusions:

  • Demographic changes are projected to increase the global population of individuals without living kin.
  • The phenomenon of kinlessness and its associated disadvantages require ongoing monitoring and research.