Familization risks, defamilization risks and older women

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of the Family
• Social Gerontology

Background:

• Older women are increasingly vulnerable to risks associated with changing family structures and economic conditions.
• Familization and defamilization represent critical social processes impacting the well-being of elderly women.
• Understanding these risks is crucial for developing supportive social policies and interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the familization and defamilization risks encountered by older women.
• To explore the lived experiences and preferences of older women regarding these risks.
• To identify factors contributing to the freedom of choice and standard of living for older women.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing in-depth interviews.
• Data collected from 40 older women aged 65 and above in Hong Kong.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify key themes and patterns.

Main Results:

• Older women experience risks stemming from a lack of autonomy in family role performance.
• Financial precarity significantly impacts older women's ability to maintain independence and well-being.
• Diverse coping strategies and preferences for support were identified among participants.

Conclusions:

• Familization and defamilization risks pose significant threats to the autonomy and quality of life for older women.
• Policy interventions should focus on enhancing financial security and supporting the right to choose family roles for older women.
• Further research is needed to explore cultural variations in these risks and support mechanisms.