This paper investigates socio-demographic, family structure and other factors that predict men's filial care involvement. The concepts guiding this investigation are related to family obligations or motivations to provide care — commitment to care, legitimate excuses, and caring by default. Data for this research come the Work and Eldercare Research Group of CARNET: The Canadian Aging Research Network. This work is based on a sample of 772 men who provide assistance to older parents or parents-in-law. Overall, findings demonstrate the value of the conceptual framework for explaining variations in men's care. For example, distance constraints and the commitment of young children, appear to be legitimate reasons for less care involvement. Further, living nearby and being without siblings may “default” men into being more involved in care. This research recognizes men's filial care as a more complex issue than a ‘gender difference’ focus on caregiving has allowed.
