Sandwich Generation, What Is It ?

Sandwich Generation

Lately, we are often found with new terms that may seem foreign to us. The term can come from prokem language or absorption from a foreign language. One of them is the 'Sandwich Generation'. This term may be some people already understand very well but, not infrequently also do not understand it at all. Of course, this term is not familiar.

The term Sandwich generation was initially popularized by financial experts or content creators engaged in business and financial tips. They use the term Sandwich Generation to describe a situation where an individual who has a dependent (financial burden) from above and from below occurs at the same time.

A professor from the University of Kentucky, United States Dorothy A. Miller was the originator of this term in 1981. She defined the sandwich generation as a group of individuals who are responsible for the lives of their parents and their children.

As the name suggests, sandwich in Indonesian means sandwich. An individual is like the middle of a sandwich, he is 'squeezed' from above and below. An individual must bear the burden of family life, it can be younger siblings who have no income and parents who have no income. Even more extreme, such as having to bear the burden of living grandmother or nephew or aunt or uncle.

This situation is what the individual calls a 'Sandwich Generation'. Usually, experienced by people in the productive age or the millennial generation and generation Z. Well how about you, are you in the Sandwich Generation category?

According to various studies, this sandwich-like condition often causes stress to the millennial generation which then has a major impact on family and social life, especially family financial flows. If not addressed immediately will be very fatal and can last for generations.

This generation is experienced by many individuals in various countries, especially developing countries such as Indonesia. South Korea currently still has the highest sandwich generation in Asia. In addition, in China, England and Australia this generation also dominates. So don't worry too much, but that doesn't mean you have to be complacent with this crush.

Characteristics and Types of Sandwich Generation

You are called the password generation if you are in a situation where you have to bear the burden of family life such as parents and siblings at the same time. More simply, you are the breadwinner of the family. The factors can be various. Your parents are no longer working or retired or are not earning. On the other hand, your brothers and sisters do not have income because they have not entered the productive age or are not working. This burden is then your responsibility.

According to various literatures, there are three types of Sandwich Generation;

Traditional sandwich

Those who are 40-50 years old but still have to bear the needs of children who are actually of productive age but are not yet financially independent. On the other hand, they are also responsible for elderly parents who are no longer productive at work.

Cub sandwiches

Containing the age group of 50-60 years, this generation bears the life of parents as well as children who have grown up to their grandchildren. If you are 30-40 years old, you can also be grouped in this type. In fact, the 'burden' that is borne is multiplied. With young children, parents and grandparents are financially dependent on you.

Open-faced sandwich

This type refers to individuals who are actively involved in caring for the elderly. This type can also be categorized if you take care of an uncle or aunt who is unmarried and has no income, it can also be entrusted to other families with you.