More than the work - Race and gender differences in caregiving burden

This study examines race and gender differences in the burden experienced b y family caregivers of the elderly using data from the 1990 Informal Caregi vers Survey. Social exchange theory predicts burden to a certain extent bas ed on the caregiving context (e.g., psychological difficulties of the elder and positive aspects of caregiving) and work performed (e.g., hours per we ek and specific tasks), but race and gender differences independent of the context suggest that feeling burdened also depends on identities embodied i n gender roles and African American culture. Also predictive of burden is t he interaction between race and gender, and although African American and W hite women face similar caregiving situations. African American women repor t less burden than White women or men of either race.