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The Concept of Familism in the Lived Experiences of Mexican‐Origin Caregivers
Author(s) -
MendezLuck Carolyn A.,
Applewhite Steven R.,
Lara Vicente E.,
Toyokawa Noriko
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of marriage and family
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.578
H-Index - 159
eISSN - 1741-3737
pISSN - 0022-2445
DOI - 10.1111/jomf.12300
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , grounded theory , negotiation , perspective (graphical) , framing (construction) , psychology , sociology , social psychology , developmental psychology , gender studies , qualitative research , social science , structural engineering , artificial intelligence , computer science , engineering , programming language
This study qualitatively examined the experiences of Mexican‐origin women caring for elderly family members in order to identify aspects of familism in their caregiving situations. Data were collected from one‐time interviews with 44 caregivers living in the greater East Los Angeles area. Kinscripts guided the framing of familism in this study. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Caregivers' descriptions of the Mexican family reflected an idealized view of familism. Caregivers reported a lack of support from others and relying for support on fewer family members than were potentially available to them. Findings suggest that the construct of familism has evolved from its long‐standing portrayals in the literature. More research is needed to reexamine familism as a theoretical perspective to explain how Mexican‐origin families negotiate and construct elder care over the family life course.