Modernization and Intergenerational Transfers in Indonesia: An Examination of Data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey

Randi S. Cartmill, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Victoria A. Beard, University of Wisconsin at Madison

In the study of developing nations, a common assumption is that modernization and development erode traditional "extended family values." In the context of intergenerational transfers, this pattern would be evident if more "modern" individuals were more likely to provide transfers of money, goods or services to elderly parents living alone instead of becoming coresident. Studies of Indonesian families only examining coresidence patterns provide mixed support for this theory. However, a recent qualitative study (Beard and Kunharibowo, 2001) suggests that other factors complicate the decision to coreside. Therefore, we examine the patterns and predictors of coresidence and three other types of transfers (money, goods and services) using data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey. We expected that individuals with more "modern" characteristics such as higher educational attainment, urban residence and more access to modern media provide more transfers of money, goods and services and are less likely to coreside.