In this article we examine to what extent norms of filial obligation are shaped by (a) group value patterns, (b) family constellation, (c) the possibilities to help others, and (d) actual experiences of support exchange. The data are from the first wave of the combined main and migrant sample of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study, the Dutch participant in the Generations and Gender Programme. The Dutch appear to be reluctant to prescribe for others how they should behave vis-à-vis ageing

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... s. Value patterns are the strongest determinants of filial norms, with migrants, those with low levels of education, and the religious espousing strong filial norms. Contrary to what traditional gender roles would suggest, women less strongly endorse norms of filial obligation than men. Contrary to the notion that divorce weakens family ties, divorcees and children of divorce do not exhibit less commitment to filial norms. Altruistic tendencies are evident in the weaker filial norms among the older age groups, and among those with non-coresident children. Finally, the results show a high level of consonance between actual support exchanges and filial norms.