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Attitudes to different generations

Attitudes of different generations to each other are shifting.  Younger people face increasing demonisation resulting from negative media coverage and a perception of threat; there is a decreasing tolerance of anti-social behaviour and the UK population is ageing.  So what does all this mean for your organisation? People supporting both their children and parents face increasing financial pressures, and the rising stress on the welfare state, due to increasing needs for care and pensions, puts increasing burdens on workers.  These issues may all lead to a lack of understanding between people of different ages, resulting in intergenerational conflicts. Will your workforce or beneficiaries be impacted by this? What implications might the increasing diversity of older people have for your work?

What are the implications?

• A continued negative media representation could marginalise young people, especially those from certain areas or socio-economic backgrounds.
• The increasing diversity of older people means that the way older people are viewed is shifting which may lead to a decrease in stereotypes and prejudice towards older people.
• As the age dependency ratio increases, debates on whether welfare gains for one age-group (i.e. the elderly) come at the expense of another (i.e. workers) are likely to develop.
• There could be the development of social and political activism of and by different generation groups.
• If conditions of equity between generations no longer exist, and more responsibility is placed on individuals, potential conflicts and tensions could arise.
• These could be exacerbated by the growing financial constraints faced by younger generations (due to high house prices, university fees, a more competitive job market and the effects of the recession).

Moving forward

VCOs may have a particular contribution to make to improve inter-generational understanding, as they are often able to give a voice to marginalised groups within society, such as those perceived as anti-social in their behaviour or isolated older people. 

• Can your organisation help facilitate dialogue between different age groups and the wider community?
• How will changing attitudes to different generations impact on your organisation?
• Intergenerational working shows that solidarity between generations is still strong. Would some of your projects benefit from having an intergenerational approach?

The threat ofgeneration-based conflict is heightened by ageism. Often viewed as something only older people experience, it affects young people as well.  Additionally, ageing means different things to different people.

• In five years’ time, will attitudes towards young and older people be based in reality or fear and stereotypes?
• What can your organisation do to combat stereotypes and recognise individuality and points of difference within/between different generations?
• How can you ensure your 'offer' for older people reflect their diversity?

If you need some guidance thinking through how to respond to this driver, have a look at our pages on planning. You need to bear in mind some of the issues here and on our other drivers to feed into your planning. You might also like to have a look at our Future Focus 6 publication which considers demographic drivers.

And of course you can join for free to get our ebulletin which will help you think through all these elements of facing the future with confidence.

Want to know more?

What are today’s social evils?

Published by: Joseph Rowntree Foundation – a research and development charity

Date:2008

Format:Web & PDF

What is it?A summary of the findings of a public consultation exploring the ‘social evils’ facing Britain today.

How useful is this? As a marker of public opinion on British society and attitudes, this is a useful document. In 1904, Joseph Rowntree identified what he believed were the worst social evils. The new list is the result of a web survey of 3,500 people and discussions with groups whose voices are not usually heard. It explores attitudes to young people, and reveals a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society.

Other comments:

How Ageist is Britain?

Published by: Age Concern

Date:2005

Format:Web & PDF

What is it? A report on research

How useful is this? This report explores the nature and prevalence of prejudice and discrimination about age and ageing in Britain, based on interviews with almost 2000 people from a representative sample of adults aged 16+. It outlines some interesting findings, including the fact that ageism is experienced by people of all ages, and is (according to these findings) the most prevalent form of discrimination in Britain.  The report examines ageism, and presents recommendations for the Commission on Equality and Human Rights on how to best tackle this issue.

Other comments? The link leads a main page with further links to other publications related to this topic.

The Centre for Intergenerational Practice

Published by:

Date:2008

Format:Website

What is it? A website aiming to support the development and promotion of intergenerational practice.

How useful is it?  The website aims to promote intergenerational practice as an effective mechanism to improve the understanding and relationships between people of different generations and cultures, and develop the evidence base and understanding of intergenerational practice at national, regional and local levels.  Particularly useful are the network links, and the Intergenerational themed pages.

Other comments?