The Potlatch of the Young. the Paradox of Excessive Intergenerational Solidarity in Aging Welfare States

In this paper a new theoretical model is applied to a research field that is somewhat fragmented, namely that of intergenerational solidarity in aging societies. Inspired by utilitarian considerations many scholars tend to problematize the lack of commonality and reciprocity characterizing intergenerational exchanges. As some generations are longer old and more numerous they may receive excessive support of the younger generations, especially in a democratic setting. However, in reality there is limited empirical evidence of intergenerational conflict and theoretical explanations of this paradox are dim. An integrated and dynamical approach that incorporates Durkheim’s solidarity theory, Honneth’s intersubjective recognition theory, and the current work on reciprocal exchange is necessary in order to understand the survival of intergenerational solidarity in aging welfare states. Our integrated approach is inspired by a cyclical model of solidarity (Thijssen, 2012). According to this integrated model in a prefigurative culture where the status of the young has risen dramatically, the empathization of exchanges is the driving force of intergenerational solidarity. Hence, we come to the paradoxical conclusion that attempts to preserve intergenerational solidarity by denouncing excessive transfers might be counterproductive because they may erode the empathic underpinnings.

References

Honneth, Axel (2012) The I in We. Studies in the Theory of Recognition, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Thijssen, Peter (2012) From Mechanical to Organic Solidarity, and Back: With Honneth beyond Durkheim, European Journal of Social Theory 15 (4), 454-470.