Nowadays, we witness the generational conflict between the old and young. Even though the degree of the current generational conflict is not very strong, it might develop into a serious one in the future. There exist many generational problems; for example, how can the dwindling young population support the rapidly growing old population and how can we negotiate between the problem of the young jobless and that of early retirees. What is most serious is the fact that the young generation is indifferent to the old and the generational problems and therefore ignores the potential danger to its own future.
This study attempts to investigate the generational conflicts between the old and young and to provide measures for better communication and cooperation between the generations. It includes the definition of the old, the exploration of the demographic situation, the theoretical discussion of the generational conflicts, the current status of the generational conflicts and policy suggestions for generational cohesion.
The result of the study shows different aspects of generational conflicts in the Korean society. The generational conflicts within the family seem to be determined by familism. On the one hand, familism as a still dominant ideology functions to minimize generational conflict within the family by persuading the adult children taking it as their duty to support their old parents especially economically. On the other hand, the different degrees of familism between generations can cause some conflict; the old tend to expect to receive support from the young more than their children are willing to give.
The generational conflict in the cultural field arises both within and without family. The negative image of the old causes ageism which manifests as the young generation’s avoidance or ignorance of the old. The other important cultural aspect of generational conflicts is the generational differences of values. The younger they are, the more liberal values they tend to subscribe to concerning marriage, work, gender roles, and political beliefs.
There are some latent generational conflicts that might grow to be serious in the future. The pension will pose a serious problem unless the generational distribution starts being discussed. The increasing necessity of the old’s economic activity will conflict with the provision of jobs for the youth. The generational difference concerning the ways of caring the old (whether take care of them at home or at care facilities and by family or by professionals) may also cause conflict. The lack of communication and order between the generations may lead to the serious conflicts in the future.
This study proposes the expansion and improvement of the national long-term care insurance for the old, the care service for the old, the service for the carers, and the job policy for the old, the adjustment of the administrative standard of the old age and the development of generational cohesion programs as measures for generational cohesion.
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