{{Short description|Interaction between members of different generations}} '''Intergenerationality''' is interaction between members of different generations.<ref name=":0">Klimczuk, Andrzej, ''Intergenerationality, Intergenerational Justice, Intergenerational Policies'', [in:] S. Thompson (ed.), ''Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice'', Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham 2015, pp. 419–423; Lüscher, Kurt, Hoff, Andreas, Klimczuk, Andrzej, Lamura, Giovanni, Renzi, Marta, Oliveira, Paulo d.S., Sánchez, Mariano, Viry, Gil, Widmer, Eric, Neményi, Ágnes, Veress, Enikő, Bjursell, Cecilia, Boström, Ann-Kristin, Rapolienė, Gražina, Mikulionienė, Sarmitė, Oğlak, Sema, Canatan, Ayşe, Vujović, Ana, Svetelšek, Ajda, Gavranović, Nedim, Ivashchenko, Olga, Shipovskaya, Valentina, Lin, Qing, Wang, Xiying, ''[[iarchive:Kompendium17sprachig10102017Edition2017GenerationsIntergenerationalRelationshipsGenerationalPolicy|Generations, intergenerational relationships, generational policy. A multilingual compendium – Edition 2017]]'', Universität Konstanz, Konstanz 2017;</ref> Sociologists study many intergenerational issues, including equity, conflict, and mobility.
[[Public health]] researchers and toxicologists may study the intergenerational impact of [[toxicant]]s<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rothenberg |first=Sarah E. |date=July 2023 |title=Invited Perspective: Linking the Intergenerational Impacts due to Mercury Exposure in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada |journal=Environmental Health Perspectives |language=en |volume=131 |issue=7 |doi=10.1289/EHP12721 |issn=0091-6765 |pmc=10355146 |pmid=37466318|bibcode=2023EnvHP.131g1301R }}</ref> of [[radioactive fallout]] from generation to generation.
== Applicable concepts == * '''[[Intergenerational equity]]''' is the concept or idea of fairness or justice in relationships between children, youth, adults, seniors, and/or future generations, particularly in terms of treatment and interactions. * '''Intergenerational conflict''' is conflict between two or more generations, which often involves all inclusive prejudices against another generation, or may refer specifically to conflict situations arising between [[teenager]]s and adults. * '''Intergenerational [[cycle of violence]]''' is a pattern of violence or abuse that is passed from one generation to the next. Generally, an individual who witnesses domestic violence as a child is much more likely to be an abuser or a victim of domestic abuse in adulthood. * '''[[Intergenerational mobility]]''' is a measure of the changes in social status which occurs from the parents' to the children's generation. * '''An [[inter-generational contract]]''' is a dependency between different generations based on the assumption that future generations, in honoring the contract, will provide a service to a generation that has previously provided the same service to an older generation. * '''[[Intergenerational struggle]]''' is the economic conflict between successive generations of workers because of the public pension system where the first generation has better pension benefit and the last must pay more taxes, have a greater tax wedge and a lower pension benefit due to the public debt that the states make in order to pay the current public spending. * '''[[Intergenerational policy|Intergenerational policies]]''' are public policies that incorporate an intergenerational approach to addressing an issue or have an impact across the generations. * '''[[Intergenerational shared sites]]''' are programs in which children, youth and older adults participate in ongoing services and/or programming concurrently at the same site, and where participants interact during regularly scheduled planned intergenerational activities, as well as through informal encounters. * '''[[Inter-generational ministry]]''' is a model of Christian ministry which emphasizes relationships between age groups and encourages mixed-age activities. * '''Intergenerational learning''' is the mutual and collaborative exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences between different age cohorts. It occurs in formal, informal, or non-formal settings. In the workplace, it fosters individual growth and well-being, enhances institutional performance, and supports generational renewal.<ref>García-Martín, S., Rodríguez-Gómez, D., Castro-Ceacero, D., Cañón-Rodrígguez, R. (2025). Intergenerational learning in the workplace. What about Academic Staff at Higher Education Institutions? ''International Journal of Training and Development''. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.70005</ref> * '''Intergenerational relationships''' are interactions between people of different age groups that influence creativity, knowledge exchange, problem-solving, and collective well-being. Inclusive and frequent contact fosters trust, reduces generational stereotypes, and promotes collaboration, whereas limited interaction can hinder the development of healthy, supportive, and mutually enriching connections across generations.<ref>Rodriguez-Gomez, D., & Castro-Ceacero, D. (2025). Intergenerational relationships in higher education: promoting age-inclusive institutions, ''Higher Education Research & Development'', 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2527397</ref>
== Conflict == An intergenerational conflict is either a conflict situation between teenagers and adults or a more abstract conflict between two generations, which often involves all inclusive{{dubious|reason= colleague probably meant "all-inclusive"|date=July 2018}} prejudices against another [[generation]]. This is a term describing one generation that, contrary to the will of another, will not help the other generation and also makes it difficult for the other generation to act.<ref name=":0" />
Intergenerational conflict also describes cultural, social, or economic discrepancies between generations, which may be caused by shifts in [[Value (personal and cultural)|values]] or [[Conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]] between younger and older generations. An example are changes to an [[inter-generational contract]] that may be necessary to reflect a change in [[demographics]]. It is associated with the term "[[generation gap]]".
According to [[social identity theory]], people seek to classify themselves and others on the basis of perceived similarities and differences. Therefore, individuals may seek to classify themselves as belonging to a particular generation because they perceive oneness with traits popularly associated with other members of the group, and classify others into separate “out-groups” based on dissimilar characteristic. As individuals create in- and out-groups from generational identities, interactions between members can be impacted and conflict can occur.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Urick|first1=Michael J.|last2=Hollensbe|first2=Elaine C.|last3=Masterson|first3=Suzanne S.|last4=Lyons|first4=Sean T.|date=2017-04-01|title=Understanding and Managing Intergenerational Conflict: An Examination of Influences and Strategies|url=https://academic.oup.com/workar/article/3/2/166/2623784|journal=Work, Aging and Retirement|language=en|volume=3|issue=2|pages=166–185|doi=10.1093/workar/waw009|issn=2054-4642|doi-access=free|url-access=subscription}}</ref> This bias between generations occurs because of the human need to belong to a [[social group]] to provide a sense of social identity, pride, and self esteem, but may also create [[stereotype]]s about those in different social groups, which may be generations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Social Identity Theory {{!}} Simply Psychology|url=https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.simplypsychology.org}}</ref>
== Contract == {{excerpt|Inter-generational contract|sections=1}}
== Cycle of violence == Intergenerational [[cycles of violence]] occur when violence is passed from father or mother to son or daughter, parent to child, or sibling to sibling.<ref>[http://www.abusivelove.com/abuse_types_1_11.htm Intergenerational Cycle Of Abuse] AbusiveLove.com. Retrieved November 21, 2011.</ref> It often refers to violent behavior learned as a child and then repeated as an adult, therefore continuing on in a perceived cycle.<ref>Fagan, A. A. (2005). The Relationship Between Adolescent Physical Abuse and Criminal Offending: Support for an Enduring and Generalized Cycle of Violence. ''Journal of Family Violence.'' 20(5):279–290.</ref> An example of this would be when a child witnesses domestic abuse, they may go on to repeat that same pattern of behavior in future relationships.
== Equity == {{Main|Intergenerational equity}} {{ multiple image | total_width=450 | image1 = 20240625 Global warming across generations - warming stripes.svg |caption1= Global warming—the progression from cooler historical temperatures (blue) to recent warmer temperatures (red)—is being experienced disproportionately by younger generations.<ref name=GW_generations>{{cite web |title=Warming Across Generations |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/warming-across-generations |publisher=Climate Central |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613055205/https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/warming-across-generations |archive-date=13 June 2024 |date=22 March 2023 |url-status=live}} * Data source for [[Global surface temperature|global average surface temperature]]: {{cite web |title=Global temperature / Global mean temperature |url=https://climate.metoffice.cloud/temperature.html |publisher=Met Office (Meteorological Office, UK ) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117053030/https://climate.metoffice.cloud/temperature.html |archive-date=17 January 2024 |date=2024 |url-status=live}} (scroll down to Berkeley Earth under Global Mean Temperature) * [[Warming stripes]] concept by [[Ed Hawkins (climatologist)|climatologist Ed Hawkins]]</ref> | image2= 1960- Probability of exposure to unprecedented heat waves, by year of birth and global warming scenario -- SVG ARC statements.svg |caption2= Successive generations are predicted to experience progressively greater unprecedented lifetime exposure (ULE) events such as heat waves.<ref name=Nature_20250507 /> About 111 million children born in 2020 will live with unprecedented heatwave exposure in a world that warms by 3.5 °C, compared with 62 million with only 1.5 °C of warming.<ref name=Nature_20250507>{{cite journal |last1=Grant |first1=Luke |last2=Vanderkelen |first2=Inne |last3=Gudmundsson |first3=Lukas |last4=Fischer |first4=Erich |last5=Seneviratne |first5=Sonia I. |last6=Thiery |first6=Wim |title=Global emergence of unprecedented lifetime exposure to climate extremes |journal=Nature |date=7 May 2025 |volume=641 |issue=8062 |pages=374–379 |doi=10.1038/s41586-025-08907-1|pmid=40335711 |pmc=12058528 |bibcode=2025Natur.641..374G }}</ref> }} Intergenerational equity may be understood as equity in relation to equal rights under the law, such as security, political equity, voting rights, freedom of speech and assembly, property rights, economic equity, access to education, health care, and social security. "This equity can be horizontal—equal opportunities for the same generation in different collectivities—for example, young people in different countries. This equity is also vertical—different treatment of different generations in order to compensate for differences in, for example, education and place of origin."<ref name=":0" />
Intergenerational equity, in the sociological and psychological context, is the concept or idea of [[Social justice|fairness]] or [[justice]] in relationships between [[children]], [[youth]], [[adults]] and [[Old age|seniors]], particularly in terms of treatment and interactions. It has been studied in environmental and sociological settings.<ref>Foot, D. & Venne, R. (2005) "Awakening to the Intergenerational Equity Debate in Canada." ''Journal of Canadian Studies.''</ref> In the context of institutional [[investment management]], intergenerational equity is the principle that an [[endowed institution]]'s spending rate must not exceed its [[after-inflation rate]] of [[compound return]], so that investment gains are spent equally on current and future constituents of the endowed assets. This concept was originally set out in 1974 by [[economist]] [[James Tobin]], who wrote that, "The trustees of endowed institutions are the guardians of the future against the claims of the present. Their task in managing the endowment is to preserve equity among generations."<ref>Tobin, James. (1974) "[http://ideas.repec.org/a/aea/aecrev/v64y1974i2p427-32.html What is Permanent Endowment Income?]"</ref>
Conversations about intergenerational equity occur across several fields.<ref>(n.d.) [http://www.globalepe.org/values_ie.html EPE Values: Intergenerational Ethics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703044608/http://globalepe.org/values_ie.html |date=2010-07-03 }} Earth and Peace Education Associates International website.</ref> They include [[transition economics]],<ref>(2005) [http://www.ier.hit-u.ac.jp/pie/Japanese/seminar/A6-workshop0503/index.html "Economics of Intergenerational Equity in Transition Economies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002211721/http://www.ier.hit-u.ac.jp/pie/Japanese/seminar/A6-workshop0503/index.html |date=2011-10-02 }} 10–11 March 2005.</ref> [[social policy]], and [[government budget]]-making.<ref>Thompson, J. (2003) [http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2002-03/03RP07.htm Research Paper no. 7 2002–03 Intergenerational Equity: Issues of Principle in the Allocation of Social Resources Between this Generation and the Next] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605041903/http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2002-03/03RP07.htm |date=2011-06-05 }}. Social Policy Group for the Parliament of Australia.</ref> Intergenerational equity is also explored in [[Environmentalism|environmental]] concerns,<ref>[http://sapiens.revues.org/index165.html Gosseries, A. (2008) “Theories of intergenerational justice: a synopsis”. ''S.A.P.I.EN.S.'' '''1''' (1)]</ref> including [[sustainable development]],<ref>(2005) [http://www.fathom.com/course/21701763/session3.html Understanding Sustainable Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524171013/http://www.fathom.com/course/21701763/session3.html |date=2012-05-24 }} Cambridge University Press.</ref> [[global warming]] and [[climate change]].
Conversations about intergenerational equity are also relevant to [[social justice]] arenas as well, where issues such as [[health care]]<ref>Williams, A. (1997) "Intergenerational equity: An exploration of the 'fair innings' argument." ''Health Economics. 6''(2):117-32.</ref> are equal in importance to [[youth rights]] and [[youth voice]] are pressing and urgent. There is a strong interest within the legal community towards the application of intergenerational equity in law.<ref>O'Brein, M. (n.d.) ''Not, 'Is it Irreparable?' But, 'Is it Unnecessary?' Thoughts on a Practical Limit for Intergenerational Equity Suits.'' Eugene, OR: Constitutional Law Foundation.</ref>
== Intergenerational policies == {{Main|Intergenerational policy}} An intergenerational policy is a public policy that incorporates an intergenerational approach to addressing an issue or has an impact across the generations. Approaching policy from an intergenerational perspective is based on an understanding of the [[interdependence]] and reciprocity that characterizes the relationship between the generations. These basic needs include things such as income, health care, social services, educational policy, employment policy, and architectural and environmental policies.<ref name=":0" /> Intergenerational policies include but are not limited to discourse and ways of resource distribution between generations. Such policies may be forced upon other generations through physical force or through symbolic violence by another generation, but can also be created through dialogue.<ref name=":0" />
Intergenerational policies can be targeted to increase age integration by facilitating interaction between people of different age groups by supporting physical proximity, developing common interests, or by other mechanisms. The purpose of integration is to eliminate social barriers and difficulties associated with age, including discrimination on the grounds of age. These policies contain specific programs and actions aimed at supporting simultaneous participation of children, youth, and older adults.<ref name=":0" />
An intergenerational approach to public policy recognizes that generations share basic needs including adequate income, access to quality health care and social services, educational and employment opportunities, and a safe place to live. Further, policies that are supportive of any age group must build on the common concerns of all generations.<ref>Generations United. (2010) "[http://ipath.gu.org/Guidi8151317.asp Guiding Principles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820212021/http://ipath.gu.org/Guidi8151317.asp |date=2008-08-20 }}"</ref>
== Christianity == {{Main|Inter-generational ministry}} {{Importance section|date=June 2009}} {{Original research|date=October 2008}} Intergenerational ministry is a model of [[religious ministry (Christian)|Christian ministry]] which emphasizes relationships between age groups and encourages mixed-age activities. Intergenerational ministry stands in contrast with other modes of ministry more traditionally seen in local churches, such as Sunday schools and youth ministries.
Children, and sometimes adults, are instructed by [[teacher]]s who are, typically, adults. Classes are usually divided by age groups, as in secular schools. In [[youth ministry|youth ministries]], teens or young adults (especially college age) gather in groups presided over by a "youth minister". These groups, which are often part of [[parachurch]] organizations, focus on peer fellowship and instruction of their members.
Inter-generational ministry is one of a number of movements which have arisen in response over concerns that young adults very commonly cease participation in church, and often do not return. Proponents of the inter-generational ministry movement hold that the hierarchical and [[didactic]] roles found in traditional church ministries deprive teens and young adults of a sense of purpose and involvement, since their role in these ministries is passive and subordinate, and since they are often kept separate from adult activities.{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}} Therefore, they propose that younger members should take active roles in the ministry of the local church, and that church activities should involve and encourage participation from members across a wide range of ages.
A second thread in the inter-generational ministry movement is that of family involvement. Concerns over [[divorce]], abuse and other family disruptions led to criticism of how traditional church activities typically segregate family members according to age, thus de-emphasizing family relationships. Inter-generational activities were seen as a means to involve families as units, thus reinforcing family bonds.
Intergenerationality in religion can be conceptualized as the transmission of religious practices, beliefs, or affiliations from parent to child. This approach identifies parents as possessing religious agency and places young people as passive recipients of religion and the behavioral characteristics associated with a particular kind of faith. Research also finds that children serve in a reciprocal approach, where the young person might influence the adult's religiosity and practices of worship and faith.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Hopkins|first=Peter|date=2011|title=Mapping Intergenerationalities: the Formation of Youthful Religiosities|journal=Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers|volume=36|issue=2|pages=314–327|doi=10.1111/j.1475-5661.2010.00419.x|jstor=23020820|doi-access=free|bibcode=2011TrIBG..36..314H }}</ref>
Studies show that children attending [[Sunday Schools]] and youth programs are less likely to continue church involvement, compared to those who attended worship with parents, and are integrated into a community.<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeVries |first1=Mark |title=Family-Based Youth Ministry |date=Apr 6, 2004 |publisher=Inter Varsity Press, InterVarsity Christian FellowshipUSA |location=Downers Grove, Illinois |isbn=0-8308-3243-2 |page=25 |edition=2nd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JTVGvIitibAC&q=research&pg=PA25}}</ref> Those children who continue church involvement as adults often have a 'nominal faith'.<ref>George Barna ''Transforming children into Spiritual Champions'', 2003</ref>
== See also == * [[Generational accounting]] * [[Transgenerational design]] * [[Transgenerational trauma]] * [[Intergenerational shared site]] * [[National memory]] * [[Cultural memory]]
== References == {{Reflist}}{{Generation}}{{Authority control}}
== Sources == * {{cite journal |last1=Zechner |first1=Minna |last2=Sihto |first2=Tiina |date=2024 |title=The concept of generational contract: A systematic literature review |journal=International Journal of Social Welfare |volume=33 |issue=3 |pages=710–723 |doi=10.1111/ijsw.12636|doi-access=free }} * {{cite book |last=Schreiber |first=Wilfrid |title=Existenzsicherheit in der industriellen Gesellschaft |trans-title=Existential Security in Industrial Society |language=de |year=1955 |publisher=Schriftenreihe des Bundes katholischer Unternehmer |volume=3}}
[[Category:Cultural generations]]