Intergenerational continuity and reciprocity through the use of community-based services: theory and practice

This paper aims to expand the current debate on intergenerational issues by examining the interactions of the generations and their sentiments as represented in recent community program studies, participant-observation reports, and autobiographical work. The error in intergenerational inequity thinking is asserted to be in its belief that a generation that otherwise would have had to support its parents would be in favor of cutting social security benefits. Two, if researchers and policy makers take into account only economic exchange, they will never be able to predict usage or plan appropriate programs. Three, the state has a stake in supporting informal caregivers. Finally, real equity lies in normative social exchange.