Intergenerational Transfers Research Articles

Transfer of membrane(s) matter(s)-non-genetic inheritance of (metabolic) phenotypes?

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) are anchored at the outer phospholipid layer of eukaryotic plasma membranes exclusively by a glycolipid. GPI-APs are not only released into extracellular compartments by lipolytic cleavage. In addition, certain GPI-APs with the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor including their fatty acids remaining coupled to the carboxy-terminus of their protein components are also detectable in body fluids, in response to certain stimuli, such as oxidative stress, radicals or high-fat diet. As a consequence, the fatty acid moieties of GPI-APs must be shielded from access of the aqueous environment by incorporation into membranes of extracellular vesicles or into micelle-like complexes together with (lyso)phospholipids and cholesterol. The GPI-APs released from somatic cells and tissues are transferred via those complexes or EVs to somatic as well as pluripotent stem cells with metabolic consequences, such as upregulation of glycogen and lipid synthesis. From these and additional findings, the following hypotheses are developed: i) Transfer of GPI-APs via EVs or micelle-like complexes leads to the induction of new phenotypes in the daughter cells or zygotes, which are presumably not restricted to metabolism. ii) The membrane topographies transferred by the concerted action of GPI-APs and interacting components are replicated by self-organization and self-templation and remain accessible to structural changes by environmental factors. iii) Transfer from mother cells and gametes to their daughter cells and zygotes, respectively, is not restricted to DNA and genes, but also encompasses non-genetic matter, such as GPI-APs and specific membrane constituents. iv) The intergenerational transfer of membrane matter between mammalian organisms is understood as an epigenetic mechanism for phenotypic plasticity, which does not rely on modifications of DNA and histones, but is regarded as molecular mechanism for the inheritance of acquired traits, such as complex metabolic diseases. v) The missing interest in research of non-genetic matter of inheritance, which may be interpreted in the sense of Darwin's "Gemmules" or Galton's "Stirps", should be addressed in future investigations of the philosophy of science and sociology of media.

The effect of required minimum distributions on intergenerational transfers

Tax policy may influence intergenerational transfers, especially the method and timing of gifts. In this paper, I study how tax rules that mandate the decumulation of retirement savings accounts impact transfers from parents to children. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study and a regression discontinuity design, I estimate the causal effects of aging into Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) regulations, which mandate withdrawals from retirement accounts upon reaching a specified age. First, I establish the effects of RMDs on asset decumulation in my setting and show a sharp increase in withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Next, I provide new evidence on the effects of RMDs on intergenerational transfers and show a concurrent, discontinuous increase in inter vivos gifts. The results indicate that some households ultimately use IRAs to facilitate within-family transfers, holding wealth in the tax-advantaged accounts until required to take distributions and then passing resources to children.

YOUTH EDUCATION INTEGRATING THEIR SENIOR AND NESTOR FUTURE TOO? WITH AS BRIDGE: WISDOM

A central issue in education and learning is the transfer of knowledge, knowhow, intelligence between generations. Another crucial aspect is the transfer of Wisdom. Both the transfer between generations, as well as the transfer of wisdom have in the last decennia be not planned and informal. Moreover the learning and education are adapted to the several age groups, but in general it is neglected for children that they have to learn already skills, knowhow which will keep to have crucial impact for their health and wellbeing when they have age 60 or 70: nestors… Most children will become nestors, if they can avoid to become victims of nuclear wars, genocides or other disasters. In view of the impact of AI, we need to reorient more and more the curriculum concerning the education and learning towards the neglected intergeneration transfer including the care for wisdom. We see today the rediscovery of wisdom. From the intergeneration perspective, we elaborate on topics as exercises, nutrition: gut microbiota, myokine, adipokines. Moreover we elaborate on the educational bridges between young people, children and the elderly (nestors aged 70 and more) taking into account their similarities and complementarities.

Double (Dis)Advantage: The Cumulative Role of Parental Resources and the Institutional Context in Intergenerational Time and Money Transfers

Abstract This study addresses an underexplored mechanism of social inequality transmission, namely, intergenerational transfers from older parents to their adult children in terms of (i) money and (ii) time (specifically, devoted to sporadic or regular childcare). A yet unaddressed question in the literature is whether these two resources are transferred in a cumulative (i.e., both resources being transferred) or compensatory (i.e., only one resource being transferred) manner and how such cumulation or compensation depends on parental income and the wider institutional context. Filling this lacuna, this study investigates whether grandparents who have fewer financial resources compensate for their lack of opportunities to provide financial transfers to their adult children by transferring more time to their children, or whether higher-income parents are more likely to transfer both more time and money than lower-income parents, resulting in greater advantage among their receiving children (cumulation). Drawing on six waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, this study analyzes transfers from more than 53,000 grandparents aged 50 or older to their adult children across European countries. The findings show that higher-income parents, relative to lower-income parents, are more likely to provide both time (more precisely, sporadic childcare) and financial support to their adult children, yielding evidence for the cumulation of transfers. Further, evidence of a double (dis)advantage emerges, as social gradients in (financial and regular time) transfers are more pronounced in contexts with smaller public expenditures on formal childcare and a more unequal distribution of household incomes.

The Impact of Within-family Housing Assistance on the Certainty of Young People’s (Housing) Aspirations in the Czech Republic

The article presents the results of research on the factors that determine how certain Czech millennials are about their housing and some other life aspirations. We did not primarily look at the content of life aspirations and instead, we examined how certain, confident and concrete young people are about their plans. Using qualitative interviews and an attitude survey we found that intergenerational housing-related within-family resource transfers had a significant impact on how certain young Czechs are about their housing and (some) work and family aspirations. Therefore, whatever the aspirations of young people are, the ability to form them with certainty and confidence is significantly influenced by a factor that is largely out of their control.

Bequest motives in the housing wealth effect: A new perspective from China

While previous studies have extensively explored the impact of housing wealth on household consumption, only a limited number have investigated the role of bequest motives. This study focuses on understanding how bequest motives influence household consumption and decisions related to the intergenerational transfer of housing assets. Using panel data from three waves of the China Family Panel Studies collected biennially from 2014 to 2018, we empirically assess the housing wealth effect (HWE) and find that bequest motives play a significant negative role in this context, producing a dampening effect on household life satisfaction. Our results also suggest that the influence of bequest motives on housing wealth is more prominent among economically disadvantaged households, households with higher levels of education, and middle-aged and older households. These findings imply that implementing inheritance taxes could facilitate the leveraging of the HWE, ultimately promoting increased household consumption.

Income-Generating Activities and Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in the Mion District, Ghana: A Phenomenological Study

The economic empowerment of rural women is pivotal to sustainable development, particularly in areas where traditional gender roles and limited access to resources impede their economic participation. This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of rural women in the Mion District of Ghana, focusing on their engagement in income-generating activities (IGAs) and the associated challenges and opportunities. Employing qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals that these women predominantly engage in farming, trading shea butter and dawadawa, and charcoal production. Despite their significant contributions to household incomes and the local economy, these women face substantial barriers such as inadequate access to education and training, insufficient infrastructure, and restrictive cultural norms. The findings underscore the critical role of intergenerational knowledge transfer, with many participants learning their skills from their mothers. However, the lack of formal training and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations limits their ability to enhance productivity and profitability. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve access to modern agricultural techniques, business management skills, and financial resources. Additionally, policy reforms promoting gender equality in economic activities are essential to creating an enabling environment for these women. This research contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and gender equity by highlighting the resilience and adaptability of rural women and the necessity for inclusive policies and support mechanisms. The insights gained from this study offer valuable implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders committed to fostering the economic empowerment of rural women, ultimately contributing to sustainable development goals. Future research should continue to explore and address the unique challenges faced by rural women, ensuring their active participation in the economic landscape and enhancing their socio-economic well-being.

Unlocking Creativity: The Influence of Learner Motivation and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer in Hospital Settings

This study examines the dynamics of intergenerational knowledge transfer among young hospital staff. Through a sample of 361 participants, the research investigates the impact of learner motivation, organizational atmosphere, and absorption capacity on knowledge sharing and innovation. Findings reveal a significant positive relationship between learner motivation and both online and offline knowledge transfer, emphasizing the pivotal role of intrinsic drive-in facilitating knowledge exchange. Moreover, the study identifies organizational atmosphere as a moderator, highlighting its influence on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer processes. Additionally, absorption capacity emerges as a critical factor in enhancing the efficacy of knowledge dissemination within healthcare settings. These results underscore the importance of fostering a supportive organizational culture and developing individuals' intrinsic motivation to promote knowledge sharing and innovation among hospital staff.

Bidder Beware: Intergenerational Wealth Transfers and Overpayment in Housing Markets

Bidder Beware: Intergenerational Wealth Transfers and Overpayment in Housing Markets

Sustainable Parental Resources of Organic Urban Teaching (SPROUT): An Innovation to Upgrade 4Ps Parents’ Livelihood Sustainability

Parental involvement in education has long been recognized as a crucial factor in determining a child’s academic success and overall well-being (Hill et al., 2004). In many developing countries, such as the Philippines, government programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have been implemented to provide conditional cash transfers to low-income families, with the aim of improving their livelihood sustainability (Adhikari et al., 2017). However, sustainability also entails long-term empowerment and the development of skills for parents to become self-reliant. This action research study introduces the Sustainable Parental Resources of Organic Urban Teaching (SPROUT) innovation as a means to upgrade the livelihood sustainability of 4Ps parents. SPROUT, founded on the principles of sustainable development and organic urban teaching, aims to provide 4Ps parents with the necessary resources and knowledge to enhance their self-reliance and livelihood opportunities. By incorporating sustainable agriculture practices and urban gardening techniques, SPROUT offers parents the chance to grow their own organic produce, both for personal consumption and potential income generation (FAO, 2013). This approach not only enhances the nutritional status of families but also promotes environmental stewardship and encourages a shift towards healthier and sustainable lifestyle choices. The empowerment of parents through sustainable practices has yielded positive outcomes in various contexts. A study conducted by Hirai and Fujii (2019) found that engagement in sustainable livelihood activities led to increased self-confidence and a sense of agency among participants. Additionally, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka and Sanni (2020) demonstrated that sustainable livelihood initiatives can contribute to poverty reduction and improved standard of living in rural communities. By adapting and applying these concepts to the urban setting and specifically targeting 4Ps parents, the SPROUT innovation has the potential to significantly uplift the livelihood sustainability of this vulnerable population. Furthermore, the incorporation of organic urban teaching methodologies aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the global educational landscape (ITO, 2014). This approach not only equips parents with important agricultural skills but also fosters a sense of pride and cultural heritage. By tapping into traditional and indigenous knowledge systems, SPROUT emphasizes the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and community engagement, offering a holistic approach to sustainable parental resources. The SPROUT innovation holds immense promise as a means to upgrade the livelihood sustainability of 4Ps parents. By combining sustainable agriculture practices and organic urban teaching methodologies, SPROUT seeks to empower parents, enhance their self-reliance, and contribute to poverty reduction. This action research study will explore the implementation, impact, and potential challenges of the SPROUT intervention, aiming to provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and communities seeking innovative approaches to uplift the lives of vulnerable populations.

Substance Abuse Transmission-Impact of Parental Exposure to Nicotine/Alcohol on Regenerated Planaria Offspring

There is an unprecedented global mental health crisis, and substance abuse among youth is a growing issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, and 4.7 million children have used at least one tobacco product. Abuse of prescription medicines is the cause the death for about 115 Americans daily. While substance abuse tendencies seem transmissible from one generation to next, human studies are challenging due to the long duration and confounding socio‐economic variables. Recent Food and Drug Administration guidance requires abuse liability testing in animals and humans for neuro-active medicines. However, there is no requirement for testing intergenerational transfer of abuse potential. Based on the similarities in nervous system development between mammalian embryos and regenerating planaria, we hypothesized that regenerating offspring of brown planaria parents exposed to substances of abuse (nicotine or ethanol) will demonstrate conditioned place preference similar to parent planaria, making them an alternative model for testing intergenerational transfer of substance abuse potential. Parent brown planaria exposed to nicotine or ethanol showed CPP in a concentration and time-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that regenerating brown planaria offspring are more sensitive than parents to CPP by nicotine or ethanol. In addition, exposure of parent planaria to nicotine or alcohol resulted in CPP in the regenerated offspring, without direct exposure to nicotine or ethanol during regeneration. Based on these results, regenerating brown planaria is a promising alternative model for testing intergenerational transfer of substance abuse potential.

The Impact of Intergenerational Transfers on the Distribution of Wealth: An International Comparison

The Impact of Intergenerational Transfers on the Distribution of Wealth: An International Comparison

Older patients' perspectives on the therapeutic relationship with young psychotherapists.

The current demographic change means that young psychotherapists and older patients will increasingly come into contact. Unique for this constellation is the intergenerational therapeutic relationship, which forms the basis of psychotherapy, but has not yet been the focus of empirical research. This qualitative study provides preliminary insights into how older patients (aged over 65) experience and perceive the therapeutic relationship with young psychotherapists (aged in their mid-20s to mid-30s). We conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve older patients (8 women, 4 men) and analysed their data using the grounded theory approach. We found a connection between the type of transference a participant demonstrated and their biographical as well as social experiences, desires, and fantasies. Overall, a tendency to seek harmony was observed among the participants, which was reflected in their behaviour towards young psychotherapists: (a) conflict avoidance, (b) (fantasised) therapy discontinuation, (c) adaption/subordination, and (d) solidarity, support, and protection. Our findings demonstrated that various intergenerational transference phenomena, including the roles in which young therapists are perceived, are associated with certain particularities and challenges, such as the topic of sexuality. It can be valuable for young psychotherapists to become aware of a potential role reversal that may result in older patients trying to support them.

Key Factors in Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: A Case Study of Allameh Tabataba'i University in the Academic Environment of Iranian Universities

This study investigates the pivotal factors influencing intergenerational knowledge transfer within the academic environment of Iranian universities, with a focused case study on the administrative staff of Allameh Tabataba'i University. Employing a dualphase research process, the first phase involves an indepth literature review and the application of the Delphi method to distill expert opinions, culminating in the identification of key knowledge transfer factors, and the development of a comprehensive questionnaire. The subsequent phase entails the distribution of this questionnaire among the administrative staff, resulting in the collection and analysis of 261 responses through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis tests. Significantly, the study unveils a nuanced classification of knowledge transfer factors into four distinct categories: knowledge characteristics, individual attributes, interpersonal dynamics, and contextual influences. Beyond mere classification, the research identifies specific items wielding the most substantial impact on intergenerational knowledge transfer.

“All of our lives have been terribly shaped by what went on before us”: History and (Post)memory in Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family and Anil’s Ghost

Michael Ondaatje’s fictionalized memoir Running in the Family (1982) and his novel Anil’s Ghost (2000) are thematically concerned with a return to the country of birth and a confrontation with the past, both individual and collective. In both the memoir and the novel, the history of the author’s native Sri Lanka is not only consciously recorded, but also inscribed on material traces and on the human body, “terribly” and insidiously shaping subsequent generations. The article argues that this unconscious, hidden past involves gradual changes and developments that occur imperceptibly over the long term, including events whose effects are transmitted unconsciously through intergenerational (epigenetic) transfer and imprinted on individuals and communities. In both works, Ondaatje adopts a long-term perspective reminiscent of Fernand Braudel’s longue durée to rethink the Sri Lankan past in a way that dismisses a deterministic idea of historical inevitability. As argued by Walter Benjamin and contemporary interpreters of the longue durée, the future is not predetermined. The past holds unrealized potentialities, which may inspire and shape alternative futures. What sustains this way of thinking is a belief in the power of counterfactual thinking to subvert the inevitability of the current order or values.

IN SEARCH OF SOLIDARITY: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF BELARUSIAN FEMINIST ACTIVIST PROJECTS

The article explores the interlink between the digital transformation process of Belarusian feminist activist projects and solidarity within the feminist community. The article aims to characterize the process of Belarusian feminist activist projects’ digital transformation, as well as to answer the question, how the digital transformation of Belarusian feminist activist projects influences the solidarity of the Belarusian feminist community as an ability to maintain horizontal networking and practices of care, as well as to form autonomous political subjectivities and unite for collective action. The article theorizes the concepts of feminist solidarity, the essence of digitalized activism and approaches to defining feminist civil society in Belarus. Building on existing scholarship and semi-structured interviews results, the article identifies how feminist projects underwent digitalization, presented by sixteen interlocutors, and contributes to understanding feminist solidarity, its challenges, and its further potential. The results provide an overview of the most significant features of feminist projects’ digital transformation in Belarus, including evidence of the uniqueness of the online space for the birth of a new generation of Belarusian feminists and related intergenerational transfer of knowledge both within and outside the community, overcoming the digital divide and boosting the dissemination of feminist values among Belarusians through the digitalization of feminist projects, rethinking the possible ways to strengthening solidarity within the community, and the need to constantly defend the feminist language within the political process of democratization in Belarus highlighted through digital activism.

Evaluation of a longitudinal digital citizen science initiative to understand the impact of culture on Indigenous youth mental health: Findings from a quasi-experimental qualitative study.

Indigenous youth in settler nations are susceptible to poor mental health due to complex intergenerational systemic inequities. Research has shown benefits of cultural connectedness for improving mental health; however, there are few studies which have evaluated the impact of culturally relevant mental health interventions, particularly among Indigenous youth. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a culturally-responsive, land-based, active living initiative on the mental health of Indigenous youth. This quasi-experimental qualitative study is part of Smart Indigenous Youth (SIY), a mixed-methods 5-year longitudinal digital citizen science initiative. SIY embeds culturally responsive, land-based active living programs into the curricula of high schools in rural Indigenous communities in the western Canadian province of Saskatchewan. In year-1 (Winter 2019), 76 Indigenous youth citizen scientists (13-18 years) from 2 schools participated in the study. At the beginning of the term, each school initiated separate 4-month land-based active living programs specific to their culture, community, geography, and language (Cree and Saulteaux). Before and after the term, focus groups were conducted with the 2 Youth Citizen Scientist Councils, which included students from both participating schools. This study includes data from focus groups of one participating school, with 11 youth citizen scientists (5 boys, 6 girls). Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed by two independent reviewers using Nvivo to identify themes and subthemes. Both reviewers discussed their thematic analysis to reach consensus about final findings. Baseline focus group analyses (before land-based programming) revealed themes demonstrating the importance of Indigenous culture, identity, history, and language. Youth emphasized the impact of loss of language and culture, the importance of being a helper, and the necessity of intergenerational knowledge transfer. Follow-up focus group analyses (post land-based programming) indicated that cultural school programming led to students expressing positive mental health benefits, increased interest in ceremonies, increased participation in physical activity, and greater knowledge of culture, identity, and ceremonial protocol. This novel qualitative quasi-experimental study offers a window into the future of upstream interventions in partnership with Indigenous communities, where Indigenous youth can be engaged in real-time via their digital devices, while participating in culturally-sensitive, land-based school programming that promotes culture, identity, and mental health.

A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN REPARATION COMMISSION’S REPARATIONS PLAN FOR OLDER BLACK AMERICANS

Abstract This policy content analysis critically examined the National African American Reparations Commission’s (NAARC) 10-Point Plan for Reparations. As the first comprehensive plan for reparations, the latest revision has gained attention for its potential to rectify socioeconomic inequality. However, the degree to which the plan addresses the nuanced challenges faced by older Black Americans (e.g., higher rates of poverty) is unclear. Therefore, the objectives of this analysis were to: a.) assess the plan’s potential to reduce inequality among older Black Americans, and b.) evaluate its capacity to address inequality over the life course and subsequent generations. Before the qualitative analysis began, a coding scheme was developed surrounding cumulative disadvantage theory. For example, codes addressing economic disparities, healthcare barriers, and intergenerational wealth transfer were developed. From there, the 12-page document was deductively coded by the author using this scheme. The findings suggest that the NAARC’s 2023 revision is considerably comprehensive, providing strategies to address socioeconomic inequality on structural levels (e.g., funds for entrepreneurial development, criminal justice reform). Even so, the plan needs work to fully address the needs of today’s older Black adults. To maximize the plan’s impact on older Black Americans, the NAARC could incorporate long-term care provisions, family-centered support systems, and long-term services and supports. This analysis has significant implications for the NAARC’s plan and continued fight for reparations. To maximize its impact on older Black Americans and promote intergenerational equity, policymakers should consider inclusive provisions for a demographic most directly haunted by the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow.

WORKPLACE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES, TIME SAVORING, AND HELPING BEHAVIORS IN AN AGE-DIVERSE SAMPLE OF ADULTS

Abstract Socioemotional selectivity theory suggests that as future time perspective grows limited with age, older adults place greater priority on emotionally meaningful experiences and social relationships. Older adults are also theorized to savor time spent in emotionally meaningful activities and social interactions. A preliminary study found that age was associated with higher experience of positive emotion at work. In addition, we found that age was positively associated with trait-level reports of time-savoring, which in turn predicted higher engagement in helping behaviors. We will present findings from a study utilizing the day reconstruction method (DRM) that examines associations between time-savoring at work and engagement in positive workplace behaviors in full-time workers. For one full workweek, participants (N = 200, aged 25–80) complete a survey at the end of each day asking about their workdays parsed into three segments. They report on their social and emotional experiences, the extent to which they were savoring their time engaged in different workplace activities, and their helping (e.g., providing advice to a co-worker) and learning (e.g., developing new ideas or solutions to problems) behaviors during each segment of their workday. Findings have implications for workplace productivity in increasingly age-diverse workplaces. Time-savoring at work may be conducive to intergenerational transfers of knowledge.

Young women’s and men’s climate adaptation practices and capacities in Kenya livestock production systems

Climate change adaptation strategies must be identified and tailored to diverse locations and livestock production systems to be effective. Social factors such as gender, wealth, age and education levels generate differentiated abilities and capacities to cope with climate shocks. In this study we draw upon 48 sex disaggregated focus group discussions with youth to understand young people’s engagement in the livestock sector and their livestock adaptation strategies. We first explore whether gender and locational differences exist in young women’s and men’s engagement in the livestock sector, specifically which livestock species young women and men rear. Next, we describe young women’s and men’s livestock adaptation strategies in mixed crop and livestock and agropastoral systems. Lastly, we share insights about relationships that shape young women’s and men’s engagement in livestock during their transitions to adulthood. Youth rear certain species more than others, such as chickens and dairy cows. Livestock adaptation practices are generally low. Gendered practices during transitions to adulthood differ for young women and men and household relationships mediate young women’s and men’s livestock production engagement. Intergenerational transfers are gendered, however, are changing in all locations. Women’s opportunities to inherit or acquire land, for instance, have expanded. Transitions into new households, however, often reinforce gendered access to resources and women’s labor. Recommendations on how to better develop inclusive and sustainable policies that provide support to youth in livestock and strengthen their adaptation capacities are provided.