ABSTRACT
Many researchers regard family relations as the principal means by which older people are integrated into modern society (see e.g. Shanas et al., 1968). This view is echoed in government reports and policy statements (see e.g. Holmes, 1977). As I pointed out in Chapter 2, the dependence of aged persons on their relatives, particularly adult children, is rationalised and legitimated on ‘historical’ grounds, and encouraged in a variety of ways; most directly through a system of payments to persons caring for an infirm aged relative at home.
