A study on the modern Canadian family has found a few unique challenges face two specific groups – those caring for both children and parents, and Indigenous families.
The group who cares for both children and older parents is known as the “Sandwich Generation” — and it is only getting larger.
She says families often find it difficult to locate support. The notion of coordinating everything that makes up family life while working full time is not necessarily straightforward.
WATCH: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ feels the squeeze
Indigenous families were another major focus of the study.
“Indigenous families are much younger. They have more children and have them earlier,” said McDaniel. “The opportunites [for those families] is quite splendid. As people age into retirement, there’s a need for those younger workers.”
These young Indigenous families mean there’s a pool of people who are ready — and eager — to work.
“But there are problems that come with that,” said McDaniel. “For example, if Indigenous students want to come into post-secondary education, they often come with children already.”
That adds stress to students who need to care for a child.
Another factor working against Indigenous people is the large number living below the low-income cut-off.
“That’s a huge impediment of using this pool of very eager young people in the future workforce, because if you’re poor you don’t have adequate nutrition, adequate clean water supply, all kinds of things could happen,” said McDaniel.
For Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, low-income means they aren’t as likely to seize on educational opportunities compared to those with a higher income.
“The problem of poverty on and off reserves for Indigenous people is an impediment for [those] who could contribute to the workforce at a very high level.”
With the right support, however, there’s an opportunity to bring more Indigenous people into post-secondary education.
“I’ve seen more and more Indigenous people coming into my classes who are extremely bright and extremely eager to contribute,” said McDaniel.
“At the same time, I think there are even more who should be in higher education but can’t be because of financial issues or being dragged down by poverty later in life.”
LISTEN: University of Lethbridge sociology professor Dr. Susan McDaniel on the Alberta Morning News
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