The Myth of Generational Conflict: The Family and State in Ageing Societies

The ageing of Western societies has provoked extensive sociological debate, surrounding both the role of the state and whether it can afford the cost of an ageing population and at the role of the family, especially women, in supporting older people. This edited collection brings together a range of leading researchers and theorists from across Europe to advance a sociological understanding of generational relations, in terms of the state and the family and how they are interlinked. Authors examine how changes, such as cuts in welfare provision, migration, urbanization and individualisation influence intergenerational relations. The collection addresses theoretical and policy issues connecting age and generation with the family and social policy and focuses both on cross-cultural comparison within societies and analysis based on a range of societies. The Myth of Generational Conflict will be of interest to academics and researchers in sociology, social policy and ageing and to policy makers concerned about the implications of demographic and policy changes.