Sandwich Generation Families: Couple Identity and Informal Aid Networks. Abstract. The paper presents a qualitative exploratory study conducted through semi-structured interviews with 36 couples from the sandwich genera-tion living in Modena city, aged between 45 and 55 years. The research has the following objectives: investigate the workload and the composition of care ac-tivities, the type of resources conveyed within the informal aid network, the analysis of the identity of the members of the couple in relation to their future aspirations. In conclusion, respondents derive much of the meaning of their life and identity from family relationships. The job sphere is experienced in a conflictual way due to the excessive workload and the little time available. Grandparents are an important resource in the aid network, as well as ethnic communities of belonging in the case of foreign couples. The future is viewed with fear above all with respect to the children who are imagined abroad for study and work. Family; Sandwich Generation; Informal Aid Networks; Couple Identity; Future Aspirations.
Il paper presenta uno studio esplorativo di tipo qualitativo condotto attraverso interviste semi-strutturate a 36 coppie della generazione sandwich residenti nel comune di Modena, di età compresa fra i 45 e i 55 anni. Gli obiettivi di ricerca hanno riguardato: l’individuazione dei carichi di cura, la composizione e la tipologia di risorse veicolate all’interno della rete di aiuti informali l’analisi dell’identità dei membri della coppia in relazione alle loro aspirazioni future. Gli intervistati derivano gran parte del significato della propria vita e della propria identità dalle relazioni familiari. Il mondo del lavoro viene vissuto in modo conflittuale a causa del carico eccessivo a fronte di tempistiche ristrette. I nonni sono una risorsa importante della rete di aiuti, così come le comunità etniche di appartenenza nel caso delle coppie straniere. Il futuro viene visto con timore soprattutto rispetto ai figli che vengono immaginati all’estero per studio e lavoro.
FAMIGLIE DELLA GENERAZIONE SANDWICH: IDENTITÀ DI COPPIA E RETI DI SOSTEGNO
Elena Macchioni
Conceptualization
2019
Abstract
Sandwich Generation Families: Couple Identity and Informal Aid Networks. Abstract. The paper presents a qualitative exploratory study conducted through semi-structured interviews with 36 couples from the sandwich genera-tion living in Modena city, aged between 45 and 55 years. The research has the following objectives: investigate the workload and the composition of care ac-tivities, the type of resources conveyed within the informal aid network, the analysis of the identity of the members of the couple in relation to their future aspirations. In conclusion, respondents derive much of the meaning of their life and identity from family relationships. The job sphere is experienced in a conflictual way due to the excessive workload and the little time available. Grandparents are an important resource in the aid network, as well as ethnic communities of belonging in the case of foreign couples. The future is viewed with fear above all with respect to the children who are imagined abroad for study and work. Family; Sandwich Generation; Informal Aid Networks; Couple Identity; Future Aspirations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
