Intergenerational transfer of time and risk preferences

There is a growing interest in individual time and risk preferences. Little is known about how these preferences are formed. It is hypothesised that parents may transmit their preferences to their offspring. This paper examines the correlation in offspring and parental time and risk preferences using data from an annual household survey in Australia (the HILDA survey). Both time and risk preferences are examined and we explored whether the correlation in time and risk preferences varies across the distribution of preferences and across the across the four parent–child dyads (mother/daughter, mother/son, father/daughter, father/son). The results show that there is a significant relationship between parents and their young adult offspring risk and time preference measures. The correlation varies across the distribution of time preferences. The correlation was largest for longer planning horizons. Risk averse parents are more likely to have risk averse children. Except for the father/daughter dyad risk seeking parents are more likely to have risk seeking offspring. Some gender differences were found. The association in parental and offspring time preference was larger for mothers than fathers. Daughters are more likely to be influenced by their mother’s risk preferences, however, sons are equally influenced by both parents. The results of this study suggest that the transmission in preferences is more nuanced than previously thought and parental gender may be important.     

Intergenerational Interaction Through Reminiscence Processes

Abstract

Introduction: The interest in intergenerational programmes is increasing. However, there is a need for evaluation and the development of a theoretical framework to explain the mechanism of changes in attitudes of participants which is the purpose of this paper.

Method: From July to December 2002 an intergenerational intervention was conducted with 111 students and 32 elders, who shared their life stories during class time. A Focus group technique was used to evaluate the programme and a theoretical framework was developed to explain the mechanism of changes in attitudes of adolescents towards elders and the attitudes of elders towards adolescents.

Results: The results showed that stereotypes and prejudice exist, from young people towards elders and from elders towards young ones. The theoretical framework developed showed why and how participants changed their views towards each other in an intergenerational programme using reminiscence processes as a means of interaction.

Conclusion: Although the study had some limitations, it was valuable in showing that older people had some negative images of adolescents. It also showed why and how participants changed their view towards each other.     

Intergenerational solidarity and intragenerational relations between adult siblings

Few studies have yet investigated how intergenerational solidarity between parents and adult children is associated with intragenerational relations between siblings. Theoretically, one might expect compensation between inter- and intragenerational relationship solidarity as well as spillover effects from parent-child solidarity to sibling solidarity. Using data from the German Family Panel (pairfam), this study analyzes 5410 interviews with young adults who provided detailed information on the relationships to their parents and up to four siblings. Focusing on four dimensions of relationships in families (contact, emotional closeness, intimacy, and conflict), hierarchical linear regression results provide general support for the assumption that inter- and intragenerational relations reinforce each other. We also find evidence for the existence of partially compensating relationships: more frequent intergenerational conflicts, for example, not only predict more frequent conflicts between siblings, but also greater intimacy. The results are in line with predictions derived from family systems theory as well as social learning and attachment theories.     

Reply to comment on “Why do women interact with their parents more often than men? The demonstration effect vs. the biological effect”

In this research note, I argue that none of the claimed empirical evidence of the demonstration effect is causal. The demonstration effect is one of many unobserved motives behind intergenerational interactions. It is extremely difficult to single out the demonstration motive from these unobserved motives. In the real world, it remains a challenge to prove the demonstration effect.     

Bridges Together Creates & Shares Monthly Intergenerational Resources

This article discusses the recognized need for training to support intergenerational engagement. Bridges Together is leading the way in doing so amongst a variety of audiences including teachers, program directors in aging, librarians, mentors, grandparents and more. To establish a network for these audiences to learn, share, and connect; Bridges Together has recently launched a Membership Program so that monthly content can be distributed and individuals can be brought together to network. All of our collaboration aids in intergenerational engagement which is becoming a top priority and an approach to problem-solving within communities, schools, corporations, and families around the world.     

Using intergenerational relationship teaching strategies in a college-level online gerontology course

Society members educated in gerontology are needed to care for older adults in the United States. Young people may have misconceptions and lack of awareness about aging and older adults, which may influence choosing jobs working with elders. However, research has shown that on-ground courses using intergenerational relationships as a teaching strategy have proved to be effective in changing the views of students. This article reports on the experiences of college-level students in an online gerontology course that used an intergenerational relationship teaching strategy. Through journal entries and discussion board postings, students shared new understandings about aging, elders, and themselves. Data were analyzed using narrative inquiry and the threedimensional (3D) inquiry space. Findings showed students’ views could be changed through intergenerational relationships with reflection in an online course.     

中央苏区调查统计工作的特色、功能及启示 ——中央苏区调查统计工作的光辉实践与有益启示（三）

 中央苏区调查统计工作具有鲜明的特色,充分发挥了信息、咨询、监督等功能,对我们当前正在进行的统计改革和统计现代化建设,提供了许多有益启示。     

利用世代交叠模型对赡养经济中养老不确定性问题的理论研究

 本文基于儒教影响深远的亚洲国家,建立了一个离散时间的双向世代间转移的赡养经济模型。主体设为个人和政府,假设个人后代中存在利他性赡养老人和利己性不赡养老人两种情况的不确定性,并假设由政府提供完全保险。针对老年人赡养的不确定性问题,本文重点讨论在无保险和完全保险条件下个人的最优投资结构和国家经济体的最优增长方式。对比研究表明：在无保险的情况下,赡养不确定性的存在使部分个人投资分流到次等的财产投资,导致总体投资效率下降,经济增长也受到负面影响。在引入政府保险的风险共担机制后,个人投资都集中在收益较高的后代教育投资,从而提高了总体投资效率,也促进了经济快速增长。本文的研究结果,对分析研究当前中国出现的子女教育投资热现象、农村和城市家庭对子女教育投资 “一冷一热”的分化现象等社会问题,都具有较强的解释力和一定的现实意义。     

建国初老一代领导人探索“中国特色”的经验教训

建国初老一代领导人积极探索“中国特色” ,主要表现在 :以合作社作为由个体经济向集体经济转变的过渡形式、以工农业齐发展作为国民经济的建设模式、以供给制作为社会财富的分配方式、以大同思想作为社会发展的指导范式。但是由于理论上和实践上的局限 ,这些“中国特色”的思路事与愿违 ,没有能产生应有的积极作用     

社会主义道德及其现状研究

道德是一种特殊的社会现象,有其固有的特点,对社会有着巨大的作用。目前,我国道德领域存在道德观念混乱,价值观念趋于复杂化;社会行为极端功利化和非道德化;卡里斯玛权威衰落,道德评价和舆论监督功能弱化等特点。加强我国社会主义道德重建已迫在眉捷。