SHAPINGENERATIONS · How changing social contexts shape solidarity and adjustment between generations

The sustainability of the welfare state in which the state plays a key role in the promotion of solidarity, integration and wellbeingof its citizens may be compromised due to the current economic crisis and unprecent demographic changes. Thecombination of these pressures with new family forms, pose significant challenges to individuals, families and societies andplace solidarity and adjustment between generations as a priority in European states, arguably more important today than inearlier decades, as people live longer and share more years with younger generations. The aim of this proposal is toinvestigate how the social context, from macro-societal to micro-interpersonal, affects intergenerational solidarity andimportant indicators of adjustment between generations in two economically and culturally distinct countries: Portugal andUK. The project seeks to examine: national (e.g., policies), regional (e.g. economic circumstances), family (e.g. transfers upand down family lineages) and individual-level relationships (e.g., wellbeing). Mixed-methods will be used to facilitate anintegrated approach from macrosocietal to individual variables and enable empirical-base and sound policy making. Asynthesis of the findings will focus on the levels of context that can be powerful in shaping inequalities in intergenerationalsolidarity, well-being and social integration and on the implications for programmes and policies. The strong theory-drivennature of the project, the candidate profile, the international mobility and working in a world-renowned centre of excellencewith the support from a dynamic multidisciplinary team representing a wide range of substantive, methodological and policyexpertise, are key factors for the project’s impact and candidate career development, skills acquisition and diversification.The project and the candidate career will also benefit from the input and initiatives funded by ongoing topic-related projects(e.g., Cost ActionIS1311)