Gender socialization and the cultural construction of elder caregivers

This paper utilizes feminist theories as a lens for viewing the differential socialization experiences of males and females across the life span. These experiences are examined in relation to their contribution toward the construction of gender role expectations and variations in caregiving capacity. Selected cultures are then explored to identify points of divergence from the dominant elder care pattern observed in the United States. Finally, implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need to develop caregiving partnerships that integrate the efforts of both men and women as well as public and private resources. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.