Ethnicity and Support for Parents in Malaysia

Abstract

This study analyzed support as reported by adult women to parents and parents-in-law in a multi-ethnic setting. It examined ethnic diversity and other influencing factors in the provision of support. Data utilized came from the Women sample of the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey, and was filtered to include the three largest ethnic groups in Malaysia ? Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Analyses were conducted through crosstab and hierarchical logistic regression methods. Findings supported the contingency theory. Most Malaysian women supported parents and parents-in-law, but Malay women appeared more impartial than others. Increased needs of the women’s own parents influenced support, but this effect was partially true in support to parents-in-law. Higher socioeconomic status in women partly increased support to both sets of parents. Women with more offspring were found to reduce support to parents, but not to parents-in-law. Socioeconomic development and declining fertility would have significant impact on the support of older persons.