Is intergenerational solidarity a unidimensional construct? A second test of a formal model

Area of Science:

• Social Gerontology
• Family Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Empirical research in social gerontology aims to construct theories of intergenerational family relations.
• A previous test of a theory of family intergenerational solidarity yielded limited support for its central proposition.
• This study presents results from a second empirical test of this theory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically test and refine a theory of family intergenerational solidarity in later life.
• To examine later-life patterns of affection, association, and consensus between parents and children.
• To identify variables predicting variations in intergenerational solidarity.

Main Methods:

• Replication analysis using a different sample.
• Application of alternate measures and statistical methods.
• Testing a theoretical model of family intergenerational solidarity.

Main Results:

• Later-life intergenerational solidarity is not a unidimensional construct.
• Different variables predict each component of intergenerational solidarity (affection, association, consensus).
• Convergent results from the second test support these findings.

Conclusions:

• The theory requires refinement to acknowledge a more complex relationship between dimensions of intergenerational relations in old age.
• Intergenerational solidarity in later life is best understood as a multidimensional construct.
• Further research is needed to explore the distinct predictors of each solidarity component.