intergenerationelle

Intergenerationelle is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe relationships, policies, and transfers that occur between different generations. In broader usage it aligns with the English term intergenerational, referring to interactions among age cohorts within families, communities, and institutions. The concept covers social, economic, and cultural dimensions and is central to discussions of solidarity and justice across generations.

Key elements include social relations, such as caregiving and mentoring across age groups; economic transfers, including pensions, taxes, family support, and the value of care work; and cultural transmission, encompassing education, values, and knowledge passed from one generation to the next. Intergenerationelle analyses examine how these elements interact with demographic change, labor markets, and public policy.

Fields of study and methods commonly employed are sociology, demography, economics, and political science. Researchers use longitudinal surveys, cohort analyses, and cross-sectional data to assess intergenerational transfers, solidarity, and equity. Policy relevance spans aging and long-term care, education and housing, taxation, pensions, and environmental planning.

Policy implications emphasize balancing present and future needs, promoting sustainable public finances, and supporting families and caregivers. Debates often address intergenerational justice—how costs and benefits are distributed between current and future generations—and tensions that can arise among cohorts with different economic burdens or expectations.

Critiques note measurement challenges and the risk of overgeneralization, as experiences vary widely across socioeconomic groups, cultures, and national contexts. The concept has gained prominence with aging populations, extended lifespans, and concerns about long-term sustainability and fairness across generations. See also intergenerational justice, aging, and care work.