What does the sandwich generation mean Meaning and Definition
What does the sandwich generation mean
Pronunciation
/ˈsænd wiθ dʒənˈrˌeɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A generation of people who are sandwiched between caring for their aging parents and supporting their own children, often resulting in significant financial, emotional, and caregiving burdens.
Examples
- The working mom felt like she was in the sandwich generation, struggling to balance her job and family responsibilities with her parents’ health issues.
- As a sandwich generation caregiver, he found himself taking on the majority of caregiving responsibilities for both his aging mother and young daughter.
Synonyms
- Multigenerational family
- Caregiver burden
Antonyms
- Self-sufficient family
- Age-segregated society
Etymology
The term “sandwich generation” is believed to have originated in the 1980s in the United States, describing a generation caught between caring for their parents and their own children.
Usage Notes
The term “sandwich generation” is often used to describe the financial and emotional struggles faced by this generation. It can be used in various contexts, such as healthcare, social services, and personal finance.
Cultural References
The concept of the sandwich generation has been featured in various media, including articles, books, and TV shows, highlighting the challenges and concerns of this generation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Stretched thin
- Burdened
Related Words or Phrases
- Multigenerational family
- Age wave
- Caregiver support
Collocations
The sandwich generation often struggles with emotional and financial burdens, affecting their relationships with family members and the overall quality of their life.
Frequency of Use
The term “sandwich generation” has become increasingly popular in recent years, with its usage growing in various contexts, including healthcare, social services, and media.
Common Misspellings
- Sandwitch generation
- Sandwich genration