Solidarity Between Generations and Elders' Life Satisfaction: Comparing Jews and Arabs in Israel

Abstract

The study examines the role of intergenerational solidarity and filial norms on life satisfaction in old age, comparing older Jews and Arabs in Israel. Three theoretical frameworks served this study: cultural values and beliefs that shape filial norms, intergenerational solidarity paradigm, and modernization theory. Data were collected by structured interviews with 185 Jews and 190 Arabs. Results show that older Arabs were more familistic, receiving more support from children, with higher filial expectations. Personal resources and the ability to be active providers in exchange relations with children contributes to life satisfaction in both groups.

Keywords:

• intergenerational relations
• filial norms
• life satisfaction
• elderly
• Jews and Arabs
• Israel

Acknowledgments

Editor's note: The editor thanks Ruth Katz and Ariela Lowenstein for their contribution of this invited paper for volume 10, issue 1.

The study was funded by the Bi-National U.S.–Israel Science Foundation.