Negotiating Intergenerational Support: The Effects of Socio-Demographic Changes and Economic Development in Kampong Ayer (Brunei Darussalam)

Abstract

As population ageing and rapid socio-demographic and economic changes are experienced in Southeast Asia, policy makers in the region rely on family support as an important source of support for older adults. At the same time, family support is believed to be affected by modernisation, resulting in the loss of values and support for ageing parents. This concern extends to Brunei, yet there remains a lack of empirical knowledge on intergenerational support and relationships and the situations of older adults. To develop a detailed understanding of older adults and their families, and of socio-cultural factors and the influence of change, ethnographic fieldwork and participant observation were conducted in Kampong Ayer. Over a period of six months repeat in-depth interviews and observations of fourteen families, their community, and members of older adult’s kinship networks, were carried out. This thesis presents an examination of i) the Brunei Malay family system, ii) how it has adapted to socio-demographic and economic changes, iii) the nature and extent of intergenerational support flows within kinship networks, iv) the unmet needs of older adults.
The results indicated that the number of children a parent has does not guarantee support in later life despite a parent’s significant long-term contributions to secure the independence and successes of their adult children. The findings revealed varied situations characterised by the heterogeneity of circumstances and experiences. Furthermore, the influence of Malay kinship was apparent. Particularly, the act of mengasuh (raising children in the sense of caring for own children, informally adopted children, or nieces and nephews) and maintaining contact over time, demonstrates the importance of cultivating bonds over the life-course. These earlier mengasuh actions, and preservation of bonds over time, influence support for older adults in later life. Sibling relationships maintained throughout the life span are significant in fostering relationships outside of the nuclear Brunei Malay family system. Socio-demographic and economic changes provide economic opportunities which have benefited older adults and their families, rather than breaking down familial ties. This thesis adds new evidence to our understanding of intergenerational support in Brunei Darussalam, the vulnerabilities of older adults, and the resilience of families to adapt to changes.

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ORCID for Kartini Rahman: orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-0674

ORCID for Elisabeth Schroeder-Butterfill: orcid.org/0000-0002-5071-8710

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