Intergenerational Solidarity

This chapter reviews the history and evolution of the intergenerational solidarity paradigm, a model for representing and understanding interpersonal relationships between adult generations in the family. Solidarity has resonance with the dualisms found in positive psychology in its representation of both negative and positive polarities in intergenerational relationships, as well as the co-occurrence of cohesion and friction in these relationships. Specifically, the following underlying dualities of solidarity are discussed: (1) latent solidarity and manifest solidarity, (2) emotional closeness in relation to conflict and the concept of ambivalence, and (3) within-family differentiation in solidarity based on favoritism and generational position. Research questions for the future are posed at the conclusion.