Generational tensions and solidarity within advanced welfare states

Abstract

In this chapter, we aim to present the different components necessary to conduct a generational analysis of tensions and solidarity within advanced welfare states. It is widely held that welfare state democracies as an innovation has brought about state systems that can carry “the possibility of solidarity“ that prevails within a societal order. However, as generations come and go, and which keeps the social order in constant development, tensions grow towards the welfare state construct as such a construct is stable. This book launches especially four concepts that can be guiding a generational analysis: social generation, kinship generation, historical- or ascriptive generation, and future generation. The chapter then presents each chapter of the book. Finally, we open the book up with a question on whether or not there is a new research agenda on the rise, one that uses a generational perspective to conduct analysis of welfare states, the tensions that arise between generations, and between generations and the welfare state. The book is about exploring such a question.