Intergenerational solidarity from an economic and social policy perspective

Abstract

The subject of the paper is the intergenerational solidarity that sociologists have always believed to be the essence of community life, and which has now become an urgent problem for society and a challenge for the authorities. The aim of the study is to present an analysis of the concept of intergenerational solidarity as an ambiguous idea, emphasizing the understanding of the concepts of solidarity and generation. Reference is made to intergenerational relationships (bonds, contracts between different generations). In the context of the issues raised, the essence of intergenerational solidarity is presented, referring to the emerging challenges for the economy and social policy at the beginning of the 21st century, related to the aging population. Intergenerational solidarity is an interdisciplinary concept, definitively involved in such areas of social life as the economy, culture, politics and education. From the point of view of the economy and social policy, the factors connecting the generations is mainly analysed in the category of intergenerational solidarity. It has become a subject for debates, reports, strategies and analyses, related to the globalization process, demographic projections unfavorable for the functioning of pension systems, changes in intergenerational relations, the difficult social situation of the elderly, as well as the redistribution of material resources. Intergenerational solidarity (social cohesion between generations) develops when we create opportunities for intergenerational meetings. Regardless of the method of definition or the level of analysis, the issue of intergenerational solidarity must be taken into account in strategic thinking for the future, based on understanding the type of generational solidarity present and the belief that it is necessary to adapt the intergeneration contract to changing demographic, economic and cultural conditions.