When Family Comes First: British Asians Carrying the Financial Load

A silent but significant shift is occurring in British South Asian households, where young people’s traditional path of building personal wealth and independence after entering the workforce has been rerouted.

Instead, they find themselves stepping into the role of primary financial providers for their parents and families.

It is a complex reality for younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are navigating a precarious intersection of deep-rooted cultural duty and stark economic hardship.

We explore the immense pressures they face, caught between the revered tradition of caring for elders and the punishing financial landscape of 2025.

It is a story of love, sacrifice, and the quiet reshaping of generational roles, examining the cultural and economic forces compelling young people to become the financial bedrock of their families.

The Weight of Expectation

The concept of filial piety, the duty to honour and support one’s parents and elders, is a cornerstone of many South Asian cultures.

It’s a value system that has been passed down through generations, shaping family dynamics and individual responsibilities.

In the UK, this cultural expectation has been translated and adapted by the diaspora, but the core principle remains the same: to care for one’s parents in their old age.

For many young British South Asians, this is not a burden but a privilege.

As Priya, whose father worked in a factory his whole life, puts it:

“It’s my duty and my privilege to look after him, but with the cost of everything going up, it’s becoming harder and harder.”

This sense of duty is often deeply ingrained.

Filial piety can be categorised into two types: reciprocal, which is motivated by love and gratitude, and authoritarian, which is driven by a sense of obligation and a desire to meet social expectations.

For many British South Asian Gen Zers, their motivations are a complex mix of both.

They feel a genuine desire to give back to their parents who sacrificed so much for them, but they also feel the pressure of community expectations and the fear of being seen as a ‘bad’ son or daughter.

This internal conflict is a heavy weight to bear, especially when combined with the external pressures of a precarious economic climate.

The cultural significance of filial piety cannot be overstated.

In many South Asian households, it is not just a family matter but a social expectation reinforced by extended families and communities.

Failing to meet these duties can lead to social ostracisation or shame, further intensifying the pressure on young adults.

Navigating the UK’s Current Economy

The UK in 2025 is a challenging economic environment. After a period of high inflation and sluggish growth, the country is facing a cost-of-living crisis that has hit households hard.

For many, the 9-to-5 is no longer a route to prosperity but a fight for solvency.

This national struggle is particularly acute for the British South Asian community.

A study on financial wellbeing in the UK found that people from ethnic minority groups are more likely to be struggling to keep up with bills and credit commitments than their white counterparts.

The survey also revealed that while 36% of UK adults have personal savings of over £10,000, this figure drops to just 17% for those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

These statistics paint a stark picture of the financial precarity faced by many British South Asian families.

Many older members of the community worked in low-paid jobs and have minimal pensions or savings. As a result, the financial burden falls squarely on the shoulders of the younger generation.

The situation is further compounded by workplace inequality.

Studies show that 66% of Asian workers feel they have been overlooked for promotion because of their identity.

This means that even when young British South Asians achieve professional success, they may not have the financial security that should come with it.

Housing costs also continue to rise, especially in urban areas where many British South Asians live.

The dream of homeownership, once seen as a key marker of financial independence, is increasingly out of reach. Renting costs, utility bills, and everyday expenses are climbing, further squeezing already tight budgets.

Moreover, the pandemic has left long-lasting effects on employment patterns. Many young people face precarious contracts, zero-hour work, or underemployment.

These unstable income streams exacerbate the difficulty of supporting a family financially.

The ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’ in Reverse

For decades, the “Bank of Mum and Dad” has been a lifeline for young people in the UK, helping them to get on the property ladder and navigate other significant life expenses.

However, we are now witnessing a reversal of this trend.

A 2024 report by Aegon revealed that over half of UK adults expect to financially support their parents in their retirement.

This shift is particularly pronounced in the British South Asian community, where cultural expectations of caring for elder relatives are strong.

For many young British South Asians, their first paycheque is not a symbol of financial independence, but the beginning of a lifetime of financial responsibility.

Twenty-nine-year-old Maryam explained that she felt a lot of pressure because she supported her mother after her father passed away:

“I felt like I couldn’t make mistakes or risk career changes because I had so much responsibility.”

“I just had to start earning as soon as possible.”

Her story is not unique.

Many young British South Asians are delaying their own life goals, such as buying a home or starting a family, in order to support their parents. This is a significant sacrifice, and one that is often made in silence.

This reversal of financial roles can create tension within families, as young people must balance their parents’ expectations with their own ambitions.

In some cases, it leads to feelings of resentment or burnout, but many accept the responsibility out of love and respect.

Juggling Careers, Side Hustles & Personal Sacrifices

The pressure to provide for their families is forcing many young British South Asians to make difficult choices about their careers.

The traditional career ladder is giving way to a juggling act of survival, with many taking on second or even third jobs to make ends meet.

According to a Zety report, 5.2 million UK workers now have a second job, and for many British South Asians, the side hustle is not a passion project but a lifeline.

Leicester-based teacher Harpreet said: “My main job as a teacher just doesn’t cut it anymore.

“Three nights a week, I do food deliveries, and on weekends, I help my cousin with his wedding photography business.”

This constant hustle takes a toll, both physically and mentally.

The dream of a fulfilling career is replaced by the reality of a relentless grind.

For Rohan, being a breadwinner for his family has meant he has taken on more hours:

“It’s exhausting working practically all the time, but my parents rely on me financially so I make sure that they are taken care of.”

“It’s either working more hours at my current job or it’s sticking to my original hours but then taking on another job.”

This juggling act affects more than just careers.

Social lives, mental health, and personal development are often sacrificed to keep financial commitments.

The Toll It Takes

The financial pressure of supporting a family can have a significant impact on the mental health of young British South Asians.

The constant worry about money, the guilt of not being able to do more, and the loneliness of bearing this responsibility alone can lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout.

Retail worker Tariq* admitted: “I’ve had sleepless nights, my stress levels are through the roof, but I put on a brave face for my family and friends.

“It’s an incredibly lonely experience.”

For some parents, financial illiteracy can be a problem.

One study found that 85% of South Asian women felt that financial resources were not easily accessible to them.

This means financial responsibility falls to younger family members and the combination of being the breadwinner as well as providing financial guidance to parents can further exacerbate the mental health challenges.

The cultural stigma around mental health in many South Asian communities can also make it difficult for young people to seek help.

They are expected to be strong and resilient, to bear their burdens in silence. But as the pressure mounts, the cracks are beginning to show.

Community organisations and mental health charities have noted a rise in young South Asians seeking support for stress and anxiety related to financial pressures.

However, there remains a need for culturally sensitive services that address these specific challenges.

The stories of young British South Asians financially supporting their families are a testament to their love, resilience, and sense of duty.

They are navigating a complex and challenging landscape, caught between the pull of cultural tradition and the push of economic reality.

As the cost of living continues to rise and the economic outlook remains uncertain, the pressures on this generation are only set to increase.

Their stories are a timely reminder that the immigrant dream of a better life for the next generation is not always a straightforward one.

It is a dream that is constantly being renegotiated, reshaped, and redefined by the realities of life in 21st-century Britain.

The question that remains is, at what personal cost will this dream be realised?