The relationship between elder care-giving and labour force participation in the context of policies addressing population ageing: a review of empirical studies published between 2006 and 2016

Abstract

This paper systematically reviews empirical research published between 2006 and 2016 on the relationship between informal care-giving to elders and labour force participation (LFP). It does so in the context of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development policy responses to population ageing. In this context, conclusions regarding the LFP and care-giving relationship should at least be applicable to the sub-population of working-aged individuals who are most likely to provide informal elder care. Currently, these are women in mid-life and the recipients of their care are mostly extra-residential parents. The review's key conclusion is that mid-life women care-givers of elderly parents are significantly likely to reduce their working hours and also to work fewer hours relative to their non-care-giving counterparts. In drawing this conclusion, the review shows that studies finding only modest care-giving effects on LFP either do not adequately control for care-giving intensity or their conclusions apply to sub-populations less likely to be affected by policies addressing population ageing.

Work and Family in the Second Decade of the 21st Century

“…Other relatives are rarely included in research on kin work; when included, they are grouped as “other kin.” This is a significant omission—both theoretically and substantively. Moussa () calculated that 35% of the kin work done by those aged between 50 and 64 years is provided to relatives other than parents and parents‐in‐law (see also Cross, ). Limited research suggests that many people expend significant energy caring for these “other” relatives, providing financial support, household chores, child care, companionship, and medical care—whether living together or in separate households (Cross, Nguyen, Chatters, & Taylor, ; Pavalko & Wolfe, ).…”

The Impact of Informal Caregiving on Labour Supply Before and After a Parent’s Death

“…When scholars started to address how adult children's care obligations to elderly parents affected their labour market participation, most research was undertaken in the US and UK (Gautun and Bratt 2016). In recent years, studies have been extended to many other countries (Bauer and Sousa-Poza 2015;Kotsadam 2011;Kröger and Yeandle 2013;Moussa 2019), including Norway (Gautun and Hagen 2010;Daatland et al 2010;Gautun and Bratt 2016;Ugreninov 2013;Jakobsson et al 2013;Fevang et al 2012;Kotsadam 2012;Abrahamsen and Grøtting 2019;Løken et al 2017).…”

“…Although a large share of studies show negative effects of caregiving on labour supply, a recent review article shows that the results are dependent on how employment and caregiving are measured, methods used and the selection of study sample (Moussa 2019). Care intensity is often measured by the number of hours used to provide care or how often care is provided (i.e.…”

“…the number of times per month or week). Non-temporal measures are also used to determine the degree of care intensity; Care that is given to persons living in the same household is considered to be more intensive than extraresidential care, personal care is regarded as more intensive than help with practical chores, and being the primary caregiver is more intensive than being a secondary caregiver (Moussa 2019). Also, in a Canadian study, end-of-life care was found to be a good proxy for measuring intensive care compared to short-term and long-term care (Williams et al 2014).…”

“…Previous research has documented a negative relationship between caregiving demands and labour supply (Bauer and Sousa-Poza 2015;Moussa 2019;Gautun and Bratt 2016). However, this association varies between men and women and across national contexts.…”