Sandwich Generation Demographics within the United States of America
African Americans
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Asians
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Caucasians
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Hispanics
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Demographic Background Statistics
- The Table shows that 43% of Asians and 26% of Whites have college degrees compared to African-Americans at 20% and Hispanics at 16%.
- Lack of education is manifested in differential occupations and income levels among the races. While 13% of Asians and 17% of Whites earn $75,000 and more, only 7% of African Americans and 8% of Hispanics fall into this category of income.
- Differences in income levels can translate into different modes and quality of care giving for the elderly parents.
- The table shows that Blacks devote more time, more than 10 hours each week towards caring for their elderly parents, followed by Hispanics, Asians, and Whites.
- It is interesting to note that despite having lower educational achievements and income levels, Blacks and Hispanics spend a higher amount of money and more direct time on elderly care giving than Asians or Whites. This may be attributed to their parents having higher incomes and needing less financial support from their children.
- In Asian culture care for elderly parents is considered to be one of the most honorable acts an adult child can perform. In fact, the belief that children should care for their parents is so ingrained into the Asian culture that it is even reflected in language. But that doesn't necessarily mean direct care, it can be financial support. Care for older parents is also supposed to be done sacrificially without regard to selfish emotions. This brings the family honor. Traditionally, Asians believe in suppressing all sentiments, even those of misery and affliction, through self-control. Expressing those feelings would disgrace their family, neighborhood, or whatever collective unit they consider to be their community.