Social class and informal caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s disease: the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted experiences of informal caregivers providing care for family members afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, examining how these experiences are influenced by social class, and the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital. Drawing upon Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, this paper conducts a qualitative thematic analysis to analyze twenty-five semi-structured interviews with caregivers and three interviews with medical professionals. The paper reveals how distinct forms of capital (economic, social, and cultural health capital) shape the caregiving experiences for family members with Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, upper-class caregivers leverage both economic and cultural health capital to ease the burden associated with caregiving, while lower-class caregivers harness social capital. The paper challenges the prevailing deficit model of capital by shedding light on how lower-class caregivers demonstrate resourcefulness in seeking support beyond the health system. However, the findings also underscore a persistent and widening discrepancy in the caregiving experience. The paper concludes with policy suggestions, substantive and theoretical implications, and acknowledgement of methodological limitations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zachary R. Simoni

Zachary R. Simoni is an Assistant Professor of Sociology with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His research interests lie primarily in the sociology of health and social class. In particular, he studies the social determinants of health, caregiving, the medicalization of society, and the doctor/patient interaction.

Victoria Hilfiker

Victoria Hilfiker is an honors student in the Health and Human Performance Department with a specialization in Exercise Science. In addition, she is also working towards a minor in creative writing.