FROM AN INTERSECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE - Reframing Aging and Care Experiences of Taiwanese Women Caregivers

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Cart

This study applies an intersectionality framework to reframe aging and caregiving in Taiwanese society, focusing on women caring for sick parents-in-law for their husbands. It uses qualitative, semi-structured in-depth interviews with five Taiwanese female caregivers and reflexive thematic analysis to show how “male superiority” shapes caregiving roles, family power dynamics, and well-being. Findings highlight taken-for-granted daughter-in-law roles, “double aging care” burdens, and urban-rural/ethnic differences, while emphasizing resilience, women-empowerment, and needed structural reforms to support equitable long-term care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Intersectionality framework for aging and caregiving

Research method and analysis

Key findings on gendered labor and power relations

Resilience and reform recommendations

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1289 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4297 FROM AN INTERSECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE REFRAMING AGING AND CARE EXPERIENCES OF TAIWANESE WOMEN CAREGIVERS Yen-Chin Lee, National Chung Cheng University, Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China) This study applies an intersectionality framework to fundamentally reframe our understanding of aging and caregiving in Taiwanese society. By meticulously examining the complex experiences of women caring for sick parents-in-law on behalf of their husbands, it aims to expose the systemic social inequalities often obscured by homogeneous views of aging, advocating for more socially just and inclusive gerontology education and long-term care policies. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with five Taiwanese female caregivers. Reflexive thematic analysis, guided by intersectionality theory, was employed to reveal how deeply ingrained traditional concepts of “male superiority” profoundly influence caregiving roles, familial power dynamics, and well-being, providing a nuanced empirical basis for reframing. The research highlights that caregivers’ experiences are shaped by intersecting power relations, key insights include: 1) the “taken-for-granted” role of daughters-in-law due to gendered labor, economic disparities and unpaid labor, 2) the multiplex burden of “double aging care”and 3) the profound impact of urban-rural and ethnic differences. Despite these pressures, caregivers demonstrated remarkable resilience and a desire for “women-empowerment” and“life-awakening”. This study calls for structural reforms in family care support, e.g., exploring “community of reciprocity and aging together”, social mutual aid mechanisms like a “collecting points to redeem a free service”, and expanding gerontology education to all age groups to foster genuine gender equality and social justice. Ultimately, it appeals for the voices of vulnerable Taiwanese women to be heard and seen to build a more equitable and supportive super-aged society.

FAQs

What framework does the study use to reframe aging and caregiving?

The study uses an intersectionality framework to fundamentally reframe understanding of aging and caregiving in Taiwanese society.

How was the research conducted and analyzed?

It conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with five Taiwanese female caregivers and used reflexive thematic analysis guided by intersectionality theory.

What major factors shape caregivers’ experiences according to the study?

Caregivers’ experiences are shaped by intersecting power relations, including gendered labor, economic disparities and unpaid labor, “double aging care” burdens, and urban-rural and ethnic differences.

What reforms does the study recommend for long-term care and gerontology education?

It calls for structural reforms in family care support, such as exploring community reciprocity and social mutual aid mechanisms, and expanding gerontology education to all age groups to foster gender equality and social justice.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Cart