Inheritance and Caring: Transitions in Filial Obligation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the moral discourse on the filial obligation norms and the expression of gratitude to explain the role of inheritance in old parents caring. Data derives from two fieldworks carried out, one with young and the other with elderly people, from a popular sector in Guadalajara, Mexico. The filial obligation norms continue unchanged as part of a caring reciprocity cycle between parents and children, nevertheless, a transition occurs in the reward system when inheritance is replaced as a reward by other expressions of gratitude based on social capital.