Confucianism in transition? Migration, work and care of older people in East Asia

Reconciliation of employment and care for children has been a widely discussed topic in many countries. However, when it is working relatives who are caring for an older family member, the attention from both policy-makers and researchers has remained limited. Only recently has the public interest in ageing societies from different parts of the world started to recognize the specific life situations and support needs of working carers. Nonetheless, the way of East Asia comparison remains limited. This study used content analysis to conduct a review of recent literature (1999-2009) from database of Chinese Electronic Periodical Services (CEPS), Swetswise, IngentaConnect as well as the governmental websites. This exploratory review draws attention to the situation of working carers experience in the similar (Confucianism) cultural norms and different labour market structures in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. It identified some key challenges that need addressing in order to moving towards a batter balance of work and family life among the family carers. The review also compared the way each country address the issue around employment and care for older people in the countries studied. By doing so, this paper gives illustrations of policy options, for discussion and further development. Finally, specific points for future research are signalled in the concluding notes of this paper.