Intergenerationology: The Scientific Study of Circular Movement Between Generations

Abstract

In this article, we propose a new term, “intergenerationology.” Intergenerationology is proposed as a unified term to describe the numerous research and practice models concerning many aspects of circular movement between generations. We define the term intergenerational, with historical context related to research, practice, and policy in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. We also describe how different disciplines have interacted with regard to generations from different yet complementary points of view. Having the term intergenerationology will (a) enable the acceleration and unification of intergenerational studies and practice across disciplines by promoting easy communication among disciplines, (b) encourage more research from diverse science disciplines by giving a name to a popular area of study within them, and (c) provide a recognized term for researchers and practitioners to define their specific teaching, practice, and research interests.

Keywords

generation gerontology health promotion interdisciplinary intergenerational naming terminology

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Cannon

Kendig

(2018). “Millennials”: Perceived generational opportunities and intergenerational conflict in Australia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 37(4), E127–E132.

Generations United. (2023). Generations united: Who we are. https://www.gu.org/who-we-are/

Generations Working Together. (2023). Our history. https://generationsworkingtogether.org/about/history

The Gerontological Society of America. (2023). What is gerontology. https://www.geron.org/about-us/our-vision-mission-and-values/what-is-gerontology

Hicks

J. S.

Wieder

(1973). The effects of intergeneration group counseling on clients and parents in a vocational rehabilitation agency. Rehabilitation Literature, 34(12), 358–363.

i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada. (2023). i2i Intergenerational Society: About us. https://intergenerational.ca/about-us/history-of-i2i/

Justo-Alonso

Garcia-Dantas

Gonzalez-Vazquez

A. I.

Sanchez-Martin

Del Rio-Casanova

(2020). How did different generations cope with the COVID-19 pandemic? Early stages of the pandemic in Spain. Psicothema, 32(4), 490–500.

Kantner

J. F.

Kiser

C. V.

(1954). Social and psychological factors affecting fertility; XXII. The interrelation of fertility, fertility planning, and intergenerational social mobility. The Milbank Memorial Fund Quarterly, 32(1), 69–103.

Kimmerer

R. W.

(2003). Gathering moss: A natural and cultural history of mosses. Oregon State University Press.

10.

Metchnikoff

(1903). The nature of man: Studies in optimistic philosophy ( Mitchell

P. C.

, Trans.). G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

11.

Newman

(1989). A history of intergenerational programs. Journal of Children in Contemporary Society, 20(3–4), 1–16.

12.

Roe

K. M.

Mata

H. J.

(2019). The power of words. Health Promotion Practice, 20(2), 153–156.

13.

Sussman

M. B.

(1960). Intergenerational family relationships and social role changes in middle age. Journal of Gerontology, 15, 71–75.

14.

van den Tweel

J. G.

Taylor

C. R.

(2010). A brief history of pathology. Virchows Archiv, 457(1), 3–10.