Social exchange in intergenerational relationships over the family life course: reciprocity dynamics in support to older mothers

Abstract Objectives Parent–child relationships are characterized by exchanges of support across the family life course. This investigation examined whether earlier financial and service support provided by parents incentivized adult children to provide support to older mothers. Direct, indirect, anticipatory, and contingent reciprocity are employed to test four types of intergenerational exchange. Methods Data derived from 470 baby-boom children and their parents participating in the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG). Parental provisions (financial and childcare support, bequest intentions, and assistance provided to grandparents) served as lagged predictors of instrumental and socioemotional support provided to older mothers in five waves between 1997 and 2021/2022. Multilevel models were estimated for 1,324 child–mother observations and tested the direct effects of parental provisions and their interaction with mothers’ vulnerability. Results Financial support received by children predicted greater frequency of both types of support to mothers, demonstrating direct reciprocity. Adult children provided more socioemotional support to mothers who assisted their own parents, supporting indirect reciprocity. Financial support produced higher marginal returns of instrumental support to mothers with greater vulnerability, consistent with contingent reciprocity. Little evidence was found for anticipatory reciprocity inherent in a bequest motive. Discussion Results were consistent with reciprocity as an underlying mechanism in intergenerational exchanges and revealed long-term consequences of parents’ resource distribution to children. Reciprocity as insurance against unmet needs was mostly limited to financial assistance, a key resource helping children manage the economic challenges of adulthood. We suggest future research continue to refine the theory and empirical identification of motivations behind intergenerational exchanges.