Majen Espvall

Crowding out, crowding in or just a matter of transformation? Informal financial support in Portugal and Sweden

This investigation examines the role of informal financial support among university students in two different welfare states, Portugal and Sweden. Using data from a questionnaire (N = 525), students’ experiences of receiving loans and gifts, and differences in norms and attitudes towards informal financial support, are explored. The data reveal that the Swedish students receive more financial support in terms of monetary loans and gifts from persons in their social network, while for Portuguese students support from their parents to a higher degree is embedded in patterns of living conditions. Furthermore, the interaction processes of exchange of support, for both groups is characterised by reflexivity and complexity, not only framed by resource conditions, but also by relational and situational factors. The results are discussed in the theoretical framework of crowding out/crowding in theories.

Intimacy and obligations in LAT relationships in late life

In this chapter, we discuss how new forms of intimate relationships among older adults, exemplified by living-apart-together relationships (LAT) relationships, challenge family obligations, especia ...

For better or for worse? Transformation of social network relations due to long-term illness

This paper explores whether, and if so how, long-term illness affects and changes personal social relations and how these transformations are related to diagnosis, length of the sick leave, age and gender. It is based on qualitative in-depth interviews (N = 10) and a broader representative survey among long-term ill people (n = 319). The results reveal that illness affects the social relationships in both positive and negative directions. On the one hand, the proximity and mobilization of support from family and friends increases during the period of illness and new relationships are included in the networks. On the other hand, the distance within some relationships increases, and some disappear or become less support-rewarding. While the need for social relationships seems, for the majority, to be essential and constant, the results show that the circle of close personal relationships is shifting and that emotional intensity and reciprocal exchange vary.