Intergenerational Relationships and Communication among the Rural Aged in Malaysia

Abstract

In Malaysia the family has been the main institution caring for the aged. However, the processes of development, directly or indirectly, have impacted the size, functions and structure of the family unit, which subsequently impacted the family intergenerational relationships and communication. This study is about the intergenerational relationships and communication specifically among the rural aged with their family members. The main objective is to further understand the relationship of the aged with those around them and its contribution to productive and quality ageing process. Survey was the main method used in the study and was conducted among 200 older persons residing in the rural area of mukim Sungai Petani, in the district of Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia. A total of 186 co-residing adult children were also interviewed. The study shows that the intergenerational relationship is still stable and harmonious. The study also shows that the family structure in the area is mainly extended rather than nuclear with the family members exchanging mutual support. In fact, family and kinship network have remain important support network for the families. Generally, the children show positive and responsible attitudes towards their parents. This is in line with Malaysian culture that places importance on good and close relationships between generations.

The contributions of grandparents to preadolescent grandchildren's social skills in rural Malaysia

“…In another local study, Aziz and Yusooff (2012) revealed that adult children in rural areas coreside with their own parents as they need their parents to help manage the household, give advice to and supervise growing grandchildren, look after the grandchildren when parents away at work, and to ensure family harmony. Elders in multigenerational families in rural areas have positive intergenerational relationships with adult children and grandchildren (Aziz & Yusooff, 2012), while another study showed that some elderly residing in rural areas refused to stay with adult children and grandchildren as they think adult children and grandchildren are too noisy or with different daily routine or habits (Evans et al., 2018). Although these changing family structures and urban migration patterns are increasingly common in rural areas worldwide, the experiences of rural families with different ethnic compositions and living arrangements in Malaysia have been neglected in psychological research.…”

“…Taking into consideration the potential variations in family dynamics across different living arrangements, it is crucial to investigate intergenerational bonding and outcomes of grandchildren's social skill development in the absence of parents within skipped generation families, compared to three‐generation families where the parents are present. However, the majority of recent local research has been descriptive, focusing on the trends of increasing skipped generation families or general types of grandparental childcare patterns (e.g., Aziz & Yusooff, 2012; Noor & Mahudin, 2016). There are limited empirical studies comparing the associations between GP–GC interactions and the social skill development of grandchildren in skipped generation versus three‐generation families.…”

“…From the perspective of family structures, multigenerational households are found across Malay, Chinese, and Indian families in Malaysia (Aziz & Yusooff, 2012; Hossain, 2014), reflecting traditional structures of hierarchy and interdependence. However, globalization forces and the implementation of national policies for economic growth have also contributed to the transformation of family structures, size, and roles in specific ways within the Malaysian context.…”

Internationalized Intersectional Experiential Learning Environments That Go Beyond U.S. Contexts

“…As a result, preference may be given to those who can accommodate and adapt by placing personal goals aside in order to seek a path that benefits the entire family system. Malaysian culture often defines the family as inclusive of extended family and multiple generations (Abdul Aziz & Yusooff, 2012).…”

“…Elders tend to be highly honored and valued within Malaysian family structures, which may be related to filial piety. Filial piety encourages veneration and respect for one’s elders and ancestors (Abdul Aziz & Yusooff, 2012). It is not uncommon for multiple generations of extended family to cohabitate and share household responsibilities.…”