INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS IN TURBULENT TIMES: NARRATIVES FROM SCOTLAND AND NORTH EAST ENGLAND DURING AUSTERITY. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moffatt, S; Wildman, J; Goulding, A; Stenning, A; Scharf, T
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Debates around intergenerational relations, framed in terms of conflict, exchange, solidarity and equity, proliferate in policy and public arenas in ageing societies. Internationally, we are witnessing the re-emergence of discourses of generational conflict over political settlements and attempts to forge a new moral economy of welfare in economically straitened times. Increasingly, issues such as social care, employment, retirement, housing, welfare provision and pensions are crystallising around the concept of intergenerational equity. Yet, surprisingly little academic work has examined this in the UK. This qualitative study aimed to explore intergenerational relations across the life course in two locations; Edinburgh in Scotland and Tyneside in North East England, to allow exploration of intergenerational relations in different policy contexts brought about by devolution, austerity and Brexit. Forty interviews (20 in each locality) were undertaken with participants ranging from 19 to 85 years, and including unemployed, employed, retired and low, middle and high income individuals. A sense of anxiety and pessimism for the future pervaded participant discourses. Disquiet about the pace of change with respect to housing, employment and pensions proliferated. Resentment about generational differences in the potential to achieve financial independence was more apparent amongst younger people; whilst resentment about the need to provide resources to younger generations for longer than anticipated characterised older people's narratives, although strong inter-familial support was commonplace. We conclude that continued austerity compels families to provide support for longer than previously and that this negatively influences how citizens think about 'give and take' across the generations.