ARI Working Paper Series

Objectives: Reciprocity is a powerful principle in family and other social ties. The ethos of reciprocity is especially strong in Asian societies. We study older Singaporeans, hypothesizing that the more current help seniors receive, the more help they give.

Methods: Two national surveys are analyzed. Receiving help is measured by income and cash support, payment of household expenses by others, and having a companion when going out. Giving help is measured by babysitting, doing housework, financial help to children, and being consulted on family matters. Multivariate models include factors that affect an older person’s ability to give help, especially illness/disability. Results: The more financial support seniors receive from kin, the more household services (babysitting and chores) they give. Other positive ties exist between received cash/income and companion help, and given advice and financial help to coresidents. Discussion: Older Singaporeans show evidence of current reciprocity in their family relationships. Data with affective as well as instrumental behaviors could offer a better test of the hypothesis.