ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some neglected areas of research within the existing work-family literature. It defines the group of individuals—that is, couples who are simultaneously working, caring for children, and caring for aging parents—and also discusses their prevalence. The chapter provides the rationale for studying this group of people and explains the important social and demographic influences. It reviews the limited existing literature on working, sandwiched couples. Little research exists specifically concerning workers caring for children and aging parents, or sandwiched-generation caregivers. Both work-related and well-being outcomes of being sandwiched have been observed, with most of the work outcomes focusing on absenteeism and most of the well-being outcomes centering around generalized experiences of stress, depression, or role satisfaction. The chapter provides the prevalence estimates available of members of the sandwiched generation in the United States.
