Age and intergenerational attitudes in the family and the welfare state

Abstract

Frequently overlooked in the debate on generational equity is the fact that older and younger age groups in the society at large, often interact as generations in the family setting. These personal, micro-level experiences may reduce or prevent conflict on the societal level, but little research has explored these issues. This article fills some of the gap by investigating if people tend to hold family and welfare state attitudes that serve their own or other age-groups. More specifically, the article investigates if family and welfare state attitudes are characterised by generational altruism or self-interest, and additionally – to what extent family attitudes and experiences are reflected in attitudes to welfare state priorities. Data from a large-scale Norwegian study (N = 9591, aged 18–79) on life course, ageing, and generations are used to address the questions empirically. The findings suggest that attitudes are mixed in both areas, but balanced towards altruism in the family, and towards self-interest in the welfare state. Age remains one of the most important determinants for intergenerational attitudes also after controlling for age-related variables such as health and family position. A potential explanation may be that age and life phase function as sources of social identity and as a position from where one perceives the world. The lower support for family obligations and the higher support for the welfare state among women may be motivated by personal experiences in family care, and an awareness of the need for family support from the welfare state.