Social class and informal caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s disease: the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted experiences of informal caregivers providing care for family members afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, examining how these experiences are influenced by social class, and the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital. Drawing upon Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, this paper conducts a qualitative thematic analysis to analyze twenty-five semi-structured interviews with caregivers and three interviews with medical professionals. The paper reveals how distinct forms of capital (economic, social, and cultural health capital) shape the caregiving experiences for family members with Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, upper-class caregivers leverage both economic and cultural health capital to ease the burden associated with caregiving, while lower-class caregivers harness social capital. The paper challenges the prevailing deficit model of capital by shedding light on how lower-class caregivers demonstrate resourcefulness in seeking support beyond the health system. However, the findings also underscore a persistent and widening discrepancy in the caregiving experience. The paper concludes with policy suggestions, substantive and theoretical implications, and acknowledgement of methodological limitations.