Family Futures

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] 16

dvancing

ocial

ntegration

and

ntergenerational

olidarity

Another challenge is that the industrialized regions (devel-

oped countries) of the world notably face a large proportion

of the older populations.

This is a result of lower birth rates

and the age at which mothers give birth nowadays, which is

relatively older than in the past. The positive transformation

in today’s society that comes with safer work environments,

higher quality diets and better health care contributes to a

large elderly population as well. In normal circumstances this

positive change should be celebrated, but instead it is often

dominated by worries about how the countries will engross

and sustain larger elderly populations.

The expansion of families is driving governments to reassess

their future plans and the promises they made during the time

when life expectancy was shorter. They now have to come

up with beneficial plans that cater for society as it is today.

They have to create a comforting environment for the elderly

generation who, due to debates about pensions, health care

and social security, live in fear of the unknown. The pressure

from these debates also affects the families, as they will have

to look for ways to take care of their elders and their children

at the same time. Given the status of the world economy at

the moment this could be distressing.

Developing countries, on the other hand, generally have

large younger populations, although this is beginning to

change. Regions such as Latin America are following the trend

of developed countries, witnessing a reduction in family size.

It is estimated that the number of people per household in

Latin America will fall by 18 per cent by the year 2020.

Youth migration remains one of the causes and challenges

of intergenerational relationships and solidarity. Young people

are in need of change, independence and jobs. This has caused

many families to lose their children to world, leaving behind

older adults and smaller children.

It is undeniable that technology has also impacted families

and the way they relate and communicate. While some youth

find it easier to stay in touch with family members while they

fulfil work, school and other responsibilities, other young

people do not share the same sentiments. They would rather

spend more of their time watching television, playing elec-

tronic games and communicating with others through social

media, and this has increased the isolation of family members

and diminished relationships around the home base.

The above-mentioned demographic changes and challenges

have an effect on families and are bound to put pressure on the

solidarity among family members, as new roles materialize to

meet emerging challenges. However, it is important that despite

all these changes that are capable of adversely affecting inter-

generational solidarity within families and society at large, the

majority of people in all cultures maintain close relationships

with members of their family throughout their lives.

The World Assembly Of Youth

The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) is an international-scale

organization that contributes actively towards resolving youth-

related matters and coordinating national youth councils. In

addition to these areas of focus, WAY has been known for its

concern towards the welfare of the younger generation. Due

to its close involvement with youth, the organization has been

conducting research on different youth issues from around the

world. Youth and intergenerational relationships is one of the

selected issues that WAY picked to do research on.

The research focuses on the facts and figures of youth and

intergenerational relations; the role of WAY in addressing the

issue; and what stakeholders need to do to promote solidarity

in youth and other generations.

In addition to the research,

WAY holds international events every year that tend to bring

together youth with older generations, to address key youth-

related issues. The focus of these events is on providing a

forum where youth can take centre stage in the design and

development of policies and strategies that address issues that

affect them, with help and guidance from the older genera-

tion. The event yields a declaration that strategically positions

Delegates at the 12th Melaka International Youth Dialogue in 2012, which focused on the theme ‘Health: it’s my right’

Image: WAY