Caring for the elderly: An analysis of the dynamics of kin networks in the wake of male migration

The paper studied the consequences of male migration on 150 elderly people, 60 years and above, who were left behind and the role that kin networks played in helping them cope with the prolonged absence of their sons. They were interviewed individually. The findings revealed that the long absence deprived the elderly of the presence of their children. Support from children is one of the social support categories that greatly influence elderly people. Even if they have access to a variety of support systems when they are in need of it, the importance of their kin networks is noteworthy.