Round table on "Intergenerational solidarity in an aging Europe"

Population ageing is a global trend that is particularly noticeable in Europe. In the face of higher life expectancies and declining birth rates, intergenerational relations have become increasingly important in recent decades. At the societal level, these developments mean that dependency ratios will change significantly, putting social security systems based on an intergenerational contract to the test. At the community level, the question is how to support mutual understanding, intergenerational communication and social participation in order to reduce the risk of social isolation, especially of older people. With regard to the family, vertical intergenerational ties have become more important as family members of different generations share more life time than ever before, raising questions about intergenerational exchange of support and who cares for family members in need. Since Bengtson's seminal work, a large number of studies from multidisciplinary perspectives have been inspired by the model of intergenerational solidarity. These studies have shown that the family remains the main pillar of intergenerational support, but that intergenerational exchanges are shaped by the availability of public provision and that this varies according to social, economic, political and cultural context.
Intergenerational relations are at the heart of our societies. Therefore, framework conditions and policies to promote intergenerational solidarity are essential for societal cohesion and sustainability. In the wake of new socio-demographic developments, increased mobility and migration, but also global, social, economic and environmental crises, it is important to constantly renew our knowledge of intergenerational solidarity in order to be able to support the well-being of families and individuals.
Questions that will be addressed in this round table include: How do framework conditions affect and interact with the shaping of family relationships? How can intergenerational transfers in earlier and later phases of the lifespan be described? What role do issues such as mobility and migration play for intergenerational solidarity and care? How can intergenerational fractures, conflict and ambivalence be dealt with and how can intergenerational programs nurture solidarity between the generations?