The sandwich generation: exploring its types and consequences

The phenomenon of the sandwich generation has become increasingly prominent in contemporary societies due to population aging, extended life expectancy, and changing family structures. Many working adults now find themselves simultaneously responsible for caring for aging parents while supporting dependent children. This dual caregiving role places individuals under significant emotional, financial, and time-related pressure, often during critical stages of their career development. The term sandwich generation was first introduced by Miller (1981) to describe middleaged women who were caught between the competing demands of caring for aging parents and raising children. This group has received growing scholarly attention as global demographic shifts intensify intergenerational caregiving demands. These responsibilities frequently intersect with employment obligations, making it difficult for individuals to balance professional and family roles while increasing the likelihood of role overload and work–family conflict (Greenhaus & Beutell, 1985; Honda et al., 2025; Kayaalp et al., 2020;). Since then, the concept has evolved to include both men and women, reflecting changing gender roles and increased labor force participation among caregivers. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a conceptual understanding of the sandwich generation by examining its different types and the effects and challenges associated with dual caregiving roles.