Generations between solidarity and conflict: the social contract in recessionary times

Ultimately, inter-generational solidarity underpins the distribution of resources between citizens in ageing societies. Who gets what, when and how is the result of a complex interplay of political, economic and cultural factors. In the liberalised United States of America ‘greedy geezer’ debates have been linked to the power of American seniors as a political lobby. This contrasts with the European context, where distribution of resources is more clearly at the behest of the state. Gerontology has not linked the distribution of resources across age groups to the concept of political culture. Yet, fundamental differences in political culture underpin differences between US and European ageing research results. As life expectancy increases, a new set of needs and wants will be expressed by the citizens of ageing states. Age is expected to play an increasingly important role in dictating the re-distribution of resources at state level, directing us to re-examine foundational concepts such as social contract and intergenerational solidarity. This symposium will advance a trans-Atlantic dialogue between gerontologists seeking to understand solidarity and conflict between generations from a comparative perspective. Future research arising from this exchange will examine how the effects of socio-economic status, generation allocation and lifecycle stage might be compared cross culturally; perhaps employing civic culture as a framework for understanding ageing in diverse national contexts.