Age, génération et contrat social.

Abstract

Our societies are ageing. The family is changing. Labour force behaviour is evolving. How is the organization of family and collective solidarity adapting in this context of longer life spans, low fertility, and work that is simultaneously scarce and abundant?
The welfare states are currently facing three main challenges: ensure satisfactory living conditions for the elderly without increasing the cost burden on the active population, reduce social inequality, and maintain equity between successive generations.
In this book researchers from different countries compare their experiences and offer contrasting views on the future of social protection.
Part one focuses on the theoretical aspects of the intergenerational debate: the “optimal” level of redistribution between active and inactive generations; the organization of work across the life cycle; changes in labour force behaviour; the optimal retirement age.
Relations between generations within the family form the subject of Part two: the paradoxical development of legislation in Quebec; age-related changes in family networks and in solidarity towards elderly people; mutual help between the generations in Spain to enable young mothers to stay in the labour market.
Part three examines the living standards of elderly people: redistributive effects of social regimes and in particular of retirement pensions; intergenerational solidarity and equity.
The final section considers the question of social time: the growth and consequences of the round-the-clock economy; the reconciliation of working life with family life; the trajectories of withdrawal from paid employment and other activities.