Sustainable Welfare State and Eco-Social Risks: How Intergenerational Housing Inequality Matters?

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on the sustainable welfare state and eco-social risks by exploring the perspective of intergenerational housing inequality. Housing inequality is understood in terms of access and the quality of dwellings. Despite growing attention to housing and inequality, little research has been conducted to assess the extent to which it influences the future of welfare, citizens' aspirations, and the role of governments in promoting sustainability across generations. The concept of sustainable welfare — a social policy system that supports the satisfaction of human needs within planetary boundaries — offers an alternative approach to welfare provision and policy development.

The paper employs an exploratory approach with mixed methods research. In the first phase, it utilizes quantitative secondary data from the SILC microdata. In the second phase, it develops a qualitative framework through semi-structured interviews, deliberative forums, and focus groups conducted across four generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z).

Preliminary findings suggest that young adults today are more likely to live in their parents' homes for longer, delaying homeownership and family formation compared to previous generations like the Baby Boomers. Housing serves as a key source of wealth accumulation, intergenerational transfers, and social mobility. It is not only essential for promoting prosperity and welfare but also for reshaping inequality within and across generations. The growing concentration of housing wealth impacts future housing opportunities for families and generations, which in turn will affect the welfare state.

This paper makes an original contribution to eco-social policy by providing new evidence on a sustainable welfare state that addresses the needs of future generations. First, it highlights eco-social risks as emerging forms of inequality. Second, it discusses the role of intergenerational justice in shaping new social contracts and offers recommendations for mitigating inequalities.