Self-Interest and Altruism in Intergenerational Relations

Bibliographic Data

ID10969740
AuthorsJ R Logan (0000-0001-8641-4826, Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, corresponding author), Glenna D Spitze (Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222), Glenna Spitze (University at Albany, State University of New York)
Year1995
Volume32
Issue3
Pages353-364
Publication date1995-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDemography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0070-3370 • E-ISSN: 1533-7790
PublisherDuke University Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2307/2061685
PMID8829971
OpenAlexW2021089201
LanguageEN
Citations received36
References cited26

Self-interest and altruism in the relationships between generations can be manifested both within the family and in the public arena. The present study compares levels of support between age groups 40-49,50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ on a series of attitudes about “appropriate” parent-child relations and governmental programs for older people. On both kinds of measures, older people tend consistently to be least likely to adopt the “pro-elderly” position. This association is maintained when controls are introduced in multivariate analyses. Altruism, not self-interest, seems to govern the attitudes of the older generation in this sample. This finding should mitigate potential conflicts over issues of intergenerational equity and fairness, both within the family and in public policy

Altruism (biology · Demographic economics · Economics · Equity (law · Multivariate analysis · Political science · Position (finance · Sample (material · Self-interest · Global Health Care Issues · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Psychology · Retirement, Disability, and Employment · Social Psychology

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