In this paper we attempt to define the sociological parameters of intergenerational solidarity. We argue that social cohesion between generations is influenced by affectual, associational, consensual, functional, normative, and structural factors that operate at both the macro social level of society and groups—what we call “macrogens”—and at the micro social level of families and individuals—our term is “microgens.” Similarly we argue that it is impossible to discuss intergenerational solidarity without considering its opposite, conflict, and vice versa. On the basis of the evidence reviewed, it does not appear that there will be marked generational conflict in the future, and it is likely that intergenerational solidarity and altruism will remain present at high levels. 

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the sociological parameters of intergenerational solidarity. We argue that there are two levels to analyse, the macro social and micro social, one reflected at the level of society and groups—what might be called “macrogens”—and the other at the level of families and individuals—“microgens.”  Similarly we argue that it is impossible to discuss solidarity without considering its opposite, conflict, and vice versa. Sociologists have generally focused more on conflict than on solidarity, and with the coming age boom many observers have warned about a “war between generations” as the young begin to protest what they see as an inequitable distribution of public resources favoring the old. Will there be generational conflict in the future?  What about intergenerational solidarity?  To what extent will transmission be blocked across the macrogens and the microgens, so the best from the past cannot continue to flow to future generations?