Confucianism is one of the frequently mentioned social factors in the research of care for the older adults in East Asian countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Although Confucian philosophy functions as a powerful source of reference for care, the context of care in Confucian texts is not yet largely studied in nursing. This column focuses on the meaning of care in two key Confucian texts, the Analects and Mencius. The context of care in Confucian texts should provide a sound foundation and substantial understanding for researchers studying care in East Asian society.
Hashizume, Y. (2000). Gender issues and Japanese family-centered care for frail elderly parents or parents-in-law in modern Japan: From the sociocultural and historical perspectives. Public Health Nursing, 17, 25-31.
2.
Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. (2004 ). 2003 Ministry of Health and Welfare white paper. Seoul, Korea: Author.
3.
Korean National Statistical Office. (2004). Options of who takes care of old parents. Retrieved May 12, 2005, from http://kosis.nso.go.kr/Magazine/KP/KS02.xls
4.
Legge, J. (1966). The four books. New York: Paragon.
5.
Long, S.O., & Harris, P.B. (2000). Gender and elder care: Social change and the role of the caregiver in Japan. Social Science Japan Journal, 3, 21-36.
6.
Mackenzie, A.E., & Holroyd, E.E. (1996). An exploration of the carers' perceptions of care and caring responsibilities in Chinese families. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 33, 1-12.
7.
Mok, E., Chan, F., Chan, V., & Yeung, E. (2003). Family experience caring for terminally ill patients with cancer in Hong Kong. Cancer Nursing, 26, 267-275.
8.
Park, I.H., & Cho, L.J. (1995). Confucianism and the Korean family. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 26, 117-125.
9.
Park, M., Butcher, H.K., & Mass, M.L. (2004). A thematic analysis of Korean family caregivers' experiences in making the decision to place a family member with dementia in a long-term care facility. Research in Nursing and Health , 27, 345-356.
10.
Peng, I. (2002). Social care in crisis: Gender, demography, and welfare state restructuring in Japan. Social Politics, 9, 411-443.
11.
Sung, K. (1992). Motivations for parent care: The case of filial children in Korea. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 34, 109-124.
12.
Yang, S., & Rosenblatt, P.C. (2001). Shame in Korean families . Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 32, 361-375.
