Non-family intergenerational relations: problems and prospects

Abstract

The problem of intergenerational relationships both within and outside family becomes more and more challenging for the society due to changing demographic situation. In the literature prevails the data on intergenerational relationships in family while non-family intergenerational relationships stay understudied. Present paper uncovers major trends in the research of nonfamily relationships. We consider the term “generation” as a key notion in intergenerational studies. Analysis of publications showed that there are several interpretations of the notion “generation” that complicates understanding the results in general. One of the most perspective directions in the interpretation of the “generation” would be the one that suggests that “generation” is one of the forms of social identity. Among a variety of studies on nonfamily intergenerational relationships we could identify two major blocks: intergenerational relationships at work place and intergenerational programs. Intergenerational relationships in work place are studied within the model of generational identity at work place and intergroup contact theory by Allport. The studies of intergenerational programs are based primarily on the ideas of experience sharing and advantages of different generations during such exchange. Also we consider the idea that intergenerational relationships can be a specific form of learning. Studies show that intergenerational research in non-family context are limited. These studies consider interaction of older and younger generations with accent on the positive effects of such interaction for older generation. Still there are no many-generational studies in non-family context. Paper compare the terms “intergenerational relationships” and “intergenerational interaction” and underlines that in modern society generations “meet” not only at the relationship level, but at a more situational level that is not analyzed in the studies.