Intergenerational Cooperation Research Articles

Intergenerational and intragenerational cooperation

Abstract This paper is a contribution to a symposium on Michael Otsuka’s book, How to Pool Risk Across Generations. Following Otsuka, one may distinguish three distinct systems of cooperation within a standard pension arrangement: the retirement system, the longevity risk pool and the investment risk pool. It is important to observe, however, that only the retirement system constitutes a genuine system of intergenerational cooperation, the other two are essentially intragenerational, in that they pool risks among members of a cohort. Otsuka is faulted for being occasionally less than clear on these distinctions.

Decision-making mechanisms and facilitation strategies for intergenerational cooperation: A perspective from the integration of temporal and social discounts

Decision-making mechanisms and facilitation strategies for intergenerational cooperation: A perspective from the integration of temporal and social discounts

Enhancing Children's Competence in Religious Roles: The Development of Imams, Khatibs, and Preachers in Jorong Baduih, Tanah Datar

This article explores the implementation of a children's leadership development program in Jorong Baduih, Tanah Datar, aimed at fostering young religious leaders to serve as imams, khatibs, and preachers. The program addresses the declining involvement of youth in religious activities due to migration and the absence of structured mentorship, which threatens the continuity of local Islamic traditions. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, the initiative involved community leaders, religious figures, and families in identifying needs, designing training modules, and evaluating progress. The program featured hands-on training sessions, simulations, and mentorship by local religious leaders to enhance the participants' competence and confidence. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the children's ability to lead prayers, deliver sermons, and engage in public speaking, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride. Despite challenges such as limited training duration and facilities, adaptive measures ensured the program's success and highlighted the importance of community collaboration. The initiative not only revitalized religious engagement among youth but also strengthened community bonds and intergenerational cooperation. The program's sustainability is expected to be achieved through continuous community involvement and the institutionalization of regular training. This model offers a replicable framework for other communities seeking to preserve religious leadership and nurture future generations, reinforcing the value of grassroots initiatives in sustaining local religious and social development

Are older adults perceived as morally better than middle-aged persons? Focus on the stereotype content model

Identifying and improving existing morality perceptions regarding older adults is crucial for fostering intergenerational cooperation and constructing an inclusive society. In this study, we conducted two online experiments with Japanese participants to investigate the degrees to which older adults are perceived as moral. We predicted that older adults are more likely to be perceived as morally good compared to middle-aged individuals (Hypothesis 1), and that regardless of the target person's age, individuals perceived as warm (Hypothesis 2) and competent (Hypothesis 3) are more likely to be regarded as morally good. In Study 1, participants were instructed to freely describe a typical older (aged 80 years) or middle-aged (aged 50 years) target individual. Contrary to expectations, the middle-aged target individual was perceived as morally better than the older counterpart. Meanwhile, regardless of the target individual's age, the target individuals perceived as warm and competent were more likely to be viewed as morally good. In Study 2, participants were presented with a simple vignette describing an older (aged 80 years) or middle-aged (aged 50 years) target individual, manipulating their warmth (warm/cold) and competence (competent/incompetent). The results indicated no effect of target age on moral perceptions, but warmer and/or more competent target individuals elicited higher moral perceptions. Thus, Hypothesis 1 was not supported in either study, whereas Hypotheses 2 and 3 were supported across both studies. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing moral perceptions, warmth, and competence regarding older adults to facilitate appropriate assistance from other generations.

Intergenerational Cooperation and Justice between Age Groups

In this paper, I bring together the problems of justice between age groups and intergenerational cooperation in light of real-life demographic trends. I begin by presenting a simple model of intergenerational cooperation based on indirect reciprocity and show how cooperation can break down due to exogenous factors, including demographic change. I use the model to make the argument that principles for justice between age groups must be sensitive to the stability of intergenerational cooperation. I illustrate my thesis by considering the debate between distributive and relational egalitarians on justice between age groups.

Age Discrimination in the Hospitality Industry: How do Hospitality Students View Their Elderly Colleagues?

Elderly individuals are frequently perceived as being physically weak, reliant on others, and a source of societal stress. It is imperative for public health professionals and society at large to confront ageism, as they have the potential to mitigate and prevent discrimination, influence policy development, and impact the possibilities available for older individuals to achieve healthy ageing (WHO 2022). The focus of this study is the incidence of discrimination against older people (ageism) as a distinct form of prejudice in the tourism and hotel business. On the basis of an investigation of reciprocal interactions and the perception of working with older colleagues, the current situation of intergenerational relationships among the aging population is revealed. The aim of this study is to address the need for a better mutual understanding of the older and younger populations in the business environment and to foster more pleasant and productive collaboration between them. Using the proposed model, the study examines how prepared hospitality students in Serbia are to work with older colleagues and what their general opinion is about the older population. A survey was conducted among 198 students of hospitality management from Novi Sad (Serbia), incorporating several metrics indicated in the literature. The results imply that students' attitudes towards the social skills of older colleagues have the greatest positive influence on their willingness to work with older workers. In addition, the study revealed that a higher degree of anxiety about aging is associated with a decreased willingness to work with older colleagues. This emphasizes the need for hospitality and tourism faculties to incorporate pedagogical strategies, such as intergenerational service learning, to encourage and maintain intergenerational cooperation in the hospitality industry.

An Assessment of Socio-Economic Status of Women on Family Farms: Slovenian Case Study

The question of gender equality is increasingly being raised today and is present at all levels of society. The topicality of the issue on farms is particularly evident, due to the particular inheritance processes on farms, the clear division of labour, and intergenerational cooperation that characterise the agricultural sector. In this research, a multi-criteria model (DEX-SOCIAL) was developed to understand the broader aspect of rural sociology and the issue of women’s status on the farm. The paper discusses the status of women on a farm and assesses their social and economic situation. The methodology includes an online questionnaire in which women in the Eastern and Western Cohesion Regions participated, as well as other farm members and owners. Subsequently, the questions were transformed for the requirements of the assessment model, which assessed the life prospects of women on farms in both the Eastern and Western Cohesion Regions who were aged both over and under 40 years (criteria for “young successor”). The results of the study show that there is a clear difference in the qualitative assessment of women’s socio-economic position in relation to the East–West cohesion region. The social position of women does not differ according to age structure. The conclusions of the study also present broader applications of the results in the field of rural development and rural sociology.

The Impact of Workforce Diversity on Organizational Performance A Case Study of Unilever

This study examines the effects of cultural and gender diversity in the workplace on the success of Unilever. The research methodology used a descriptive research methodology to investigate the relationship between organizational performance and age, gender, and ethnic diversity of Pakistan- based Unilever employees. Results showed that Unilever has made progress towards achieving an equal gender workforce, but some respondents remain neutral. It is important for Unilever to address its concerns and implement measures to ensure gender diversity is integrated into the organizational culture. Gender diversity has a positive impact on employee morale, creativity, decision-making, leadership representation, and financial performance. Unilever should promote equal opportunities, implement inclusive recruitment and promotion practices, and provide support and development programs for female employees. Finally, Unilever should encourage newer employees to share their perspectives and foster a joyful and inclusive environment to promote intergenerational cooperation and improve morale and productivity.

The Impact of the Presentation of the Profession of the Older Generation on the Choice of Profession of the Primary School Pupils and on the Intergenerational Connection

Nowadays, we are witnessing demographic changes that are having a significant impact on intergenerational relations. The ageing of the population and the generational alienation are key factors that require new activities to establish intergenerational cooperation. The presentation of the professions of the older generation to primary school pupils is one of the segments, which brings together representatives of both the younger and older generation. A questionnaire survey was administered to 200 primary school pupils. The data were collected and statistically analysed using a quantitative methodology. It was found that introduction of professions by the older generation to primary school pupils had an impact on facilitating career choices and better intergenerational cohesion. 
 
 Received: 12 October 2023 / Accepted: 23 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024

Voting Sustains Intergenerational Cooperation, Even When the Tipping Point Threshold is Ambiguous

Sustaining future generations requires cooperation today. While individuals’ selfish interests threaten to undermine cooperation, social institutions can foster cooperation in intergenerational situations without ambiguity. However, in numerous settings, from climate change to the biodiversity crisis, there exists considerable ambiguity in the degree of cooperation required. Such ambiguity limits the extent to which people typically cooperate. We present the results of an intergenerational public goods game, which show that a democratic institution can promote cooperation, even in the face of ambiguity. While ambiguity in previous work has proved a challenge to cooperation (although we find sometimes only small and non-significant effects of ambiguity), voting is consistently able to maintain sustainable group-level outcomes in our study. Additional analyses demonstrate that this form of democracy has an effect over and above the impact on beliefs alone and over and above the structural effects of the voting institution. Our results provide evidence that social institutions, such as democracy, can buffer against selfishness and sustain cooperation to provide time-delayed benefits to the future.

Emotional Competencies of Preschool Teachers as Predictors of Intergenerational Learning in Kindergarten

The study investigates the emotional competencies of preschool teachers and intergenerational learning in preschool institutions. In this quantitative empirical research study, which utilizes both descriptive and regression analysis, our primary objective was to investigate how well preschool teachers' emotional competencies predict their ability to facilitate intergenerational learning within Slovenian preschool institutions. The survey and scaling techniques used in this study were conducted online and involved two distinct surveys, each employing a five-point Likert scale known for its reliability. The study included a total of 110 participants who were preschool teachers from the Republic of Slovenia. A standard form of multiple regression analysis was used to determine which of the educators' emotional competencies predict the factors of intergenerational cooperation and learning in the preschool institution. The results of the study through three regression models, indicate the existence of predictions of some emotional competencies of preschool teachers (adaptability and emotionally-based communication) for intergenerational learning in kindergarten.

How Resilient Is the Family? An Empirical Study of Family Care for the Young and the Elderly

This study explores the strategies Chinese families employ to navigate substantial caregiving challenges in the context of demographic changes characterized by low birth rates and an aging populace, alongside a dearth of public and commercial caring resources. It delves into familial intergenerational cooperation, utilizing various resources such as connections, norms, and emotions to develop resilience that withstands external pressures. The research acknowledges the positive role of family resilience in safeguarding vulnerable members and maintaining social stability. However, it also highlights the fact that family resilience has its limits and does not have unlimited sustainability. Sustainable family resilience can be bolstered by redefining the distribution of duties and resources among the government, the community, and families for the care of the young and the elderly. This involves creating a multifaceted welfare system anchored by government backing that places families at its center and by improving the commercial provision of care services. This facilitates the positive self-generation and reproduction of caring resources within the familial framework.

The Impact of Technological Challenges on Perceived Ageism: A Literature Study on the Antecedents of Intergenerational Cooperation in the Workplace

The rise in discrimination numbers due to ageing in the workplace has increased research on ageism and intergenerational cooperation. This rise is because ageism is considered one of the most common forms of discrimination experienced in the work environment. It is more damaging than racism and sexism because it is more institutionalized and harder to recognize. One way to prevent or reduce ageism in the workplace is to build intergenerational interactions or collaborations. This study aims to build a comprehensive model of the antecedents or factors that influence quality improvement in intergenerational cooperation. By conducting some literature reviews, this study found three critical factors that might affect intergenerational cooperation. Those three factors are technological challenges, an organizational culture that supports intergenerational cooperation, and leadership. Further discussions and research design models are also presented in this study.

Impacts of intergenerational caregiving on grandparents’ health: Implications for SDG-3

Due to the pressure in the labor market, an increasing number of young parents are entrusting the responsibility of taking care of their children to their retired parents. This study aimed to assess how intergenerational caregiving impacted on the physical and mental health of grandparents. We found that care provision can significantly improve grandparents’ physical health and reduce their depression index scores. The positive impacts were more significant for women, middle-aged adults (45-60 years old), and grandparents living in rural area. The positive impacts stem from the increasing intergenerational economic support, spiritual comfort, and social interaction. The study has significant policy implications that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3). Firstly, it is crucial to promote intergenerational cooperation and develop social support policies that address the needs of caregivers, which help improve their health and alleviate excess caregiving burdens. Second, the government should establish a socialized and market-oriented childcare service system, which in turn can stimulate economic development and lay the foundation for green economic recovery. Thirld, it is important to ensure coherence and alignment between family policies and labor protection policies to enhance the policy impact.

"They Did Not Know What They Were Doing": Climate Change and Intergenerational Compassion.

Compassion is described as an affective experience arising from witnessing the undeserved suffering of another that propels one to provide protection and cooperation. Climate change is often associated with "underserved suffering," especially of younger and future generations. Consequently, contemporary climate discourse has expressed hostility toward older generations for inflicting such suffering. Studies on intergenerational relations within the context of climate change agree that intergenerational solidarity, rather than conflict, is necessary for effective climate action. Because compassion is instrumental to solidarity, in this study, we explore intergenerational climate-related expressions of compassion leading to intergenerational solidarity. We interviewed 16 climate activists from 8 countries (aged 16-76 years) to understand how they view climate responsibility. Thematic analysis was undertaken to create and explore themes related to intergenerational compassion and solidarity. Compassion flowed in both directions: from younger to older generations in the form of forgiveness, empathy, and understanding, and from older to younger generations through advocacy, lifestyle changes, and transmission of knowledge and skills. All participants emphasized solutions over accusations. Areas of focus varied between industrialized and developing countries. Cultural factors played an essential role in intergenerational perceptions. Climate change can be a polarizing issue with older adults fielding accusations and younger people facing criticism for demanding climate action. Examples of intergenerational compassion can counter ageism, reshape climate narratives, encourage intergenerational cooperation, harness the skills of different generations, and create a sustainable world for all ages.

Cross-national differences in the association between intergenerational support and fertility in East Asia

In past and contemporary societies, kin presence and support are widely cherished for helping couples contend with parenthood. Thus, it is hypothesized that intergenerational cooperation in raising children influences fertility decisions. Despite the potential benefits of having a supportive family environment, societies with dissimilar social, structural, and geographical conditions may exhibit cross-cultural differences that are characterized by variations in family processes and reproductive outcomes. To demonstrate the influence of context, this study draws on the 2006 and 2016 East Asian Social Survey and uses generalized Poisson regression to investigate cross-national differences in the effect of intergenerational support on fertility in East Asia. The results show distinct patterns in the effect of intergenerational financial support, instrumental support, and geographic proximity on fertility. Financial support and proximity to grandparents are particularly conducive to childbearing among urban families. Instrumental support appears to be more beneficial for societies going through the second phase of the gender revolution (South Korea and Taiwan) than for societies with stronger gender role constraints (Japan). The findings highlight how context underpins the effect of intergenerational support on fertility.

Consideration of intergenerational cooperation Focusing on the existence of subsequent generations

Consideration of intergenerational cooperation Focusing on the existence of subsequent generations

Intergenerational Relations in the Climate Movement: Bridging the Gap toward a Common Goal.

The call for climate action has attracted global support, especially among youth. Over time, climate discourse has turned increasingly hostile toward both younger and older generations, potentially engendering intergenerational conflict when intergenerational cooperation is most needed. Using a purposive sampling method, we selected a sample of 50 international influential individuals to gain an overview of the common views in current climate discourse to examine how they may impact intergenerational relations. We used a summative content analysis approach to analyze the different worldviews. The results are broadly divided into two categories-messages of intergenerational tension and messages of intergenerational solidarity. We found that although both types of messaging communicate similar facts and concerns, their presentation may either unite or divide different generations. Therefore, to work toward a common future for the benefit for all ages, it is essential for polarizing and accusatory sentiments to be replaced with messages of inclusivity and cooperation. This may be facilitated through intergenerational contact and interventions.

Preschool teachers’ perspective on factors of intergenerational learning important for professional development

The theoretical framework of the study is represented by two concepts: intergenerational learning and professional development. Quantitative research conducted in 2021 on a sample of 108 preschool teachers of preschool institutions in the Banja Luka region (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Srpska) aimed to examine the perspective of preschool taechers on the factors of intergenerational learning important for their own professional development. Using factor analysis (Principal component analysis, PCA), three factors of intergenerational learning were singled out from the perspective of preschool teachers, and they are: professional cooperation and personal growth; inclusion of the elderly in educational work and humanities education; prejudices and stereotypes. The findings indicate that preschool teachers strongly recognize intergenerational learning in the context of personal growth, work and career, but also notice the humane and inclusive nature of intergenerational cooperation, while not prone to intergenerational stereotypes and prejudices against colleagues from other generations, and that encouraging professional cooperation, and the promotion and support of the inclusion of the elderly can contribute to the reduction of intergenerational conflicts and prejudices.

Managing Different Generations in the Workplace

Abstract In an ageing society, intergenerational management is becoming increasingly important for organizations. The strategies used by managers in managing the work of the different generational groups working at a particular time in an organization must focus on reducing the differences between them while maintaining their diversity. Choosing the most effective strategies starts with knowing and understanding the characteristics of each generation; implementing them can be done both by exercising appropriate leadership styles and by incorporating them into organizational policies and practices. In this way, a climate of intergenerational cooperation can be built which can only support the achievement of organizational objectives.