ABSTRACT
Indian parents who have migrated to live with their children in an ‘upside-down joint family’ in Australia put all or most of their money into the son’s account. It enables them to help with the children’s mortgage and/or business while contributing to their everyday costs. This money is usually transferred without documentation or accompanying equity as money in India is seen as belonging to the family rather than the married couple. The intersection of migration, ageing, a different family structure and loss of social and financial control can lead to emotional and financial tensions. It can be fertile ground for elder abuse. This paper draws on data from conversation circles and interviews with 38 older Indian men and women in Melbourne.
