“There are simply too few of us:” the German federal election and intergenerational politics

Older generations make up an overwhelming majority of eligible voters in the upcoming German federal election. Many young people feel that their interests are being ignored in the three leading parties’ campaigns. IF intern Carlotta Hartmann examines younger generations’ democratic deficit, and what it might mean for policy in the future. Population-ageing leaves young voters… Read more »

National insurance, intergenerational fairness and paying for social care

Robert Ashton looks at how National Insurance could be changed for the better, raising more money to pay for social care without penalising younger generations, many of whom are already paying a greater part of their incomes than previous generations on high rents and student loan repayments. How can we make National Insurance work better… Read more »

What does fewer births mean for intergenerational fairness?

Conceptions are falling in England and Wales. Liz Emerson, IF Co-founder, looks at the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)  Latest data released by the ONS show a 2.1% fall in the number of conceptions in England and Wales between 2018 and 2019. This was the largest annual decrease since 2012.… Read more »

Freedom and injustice in the time of coronavirus

Last week, the majority of COVID-19 restrictions in England were removed, marking the biggest return to “normality” that we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic. However, this does not mean the end of restrictions for everybody, as IF Researcher, Lizzie Simpson, discusses how the new settlement affects younger people differently, and how this… Read more »

To a graduate of 2020 from a graduate of 2009

Creative writing can be a tool to release anxiety, find clarity and share perspectives on difficult issues. IF supporter Josephine Robertson, a graduate of 2009, writes an empathetic letter to new graduates on intergenerational legacy and adjusting expectations. Focusing on these revised expectations, and having an empathetic listening ear between generations, may yet deliver fulfilment… Read more »

OK Boomer!

“OK Boomer”, a simple retort against the Baby Boomer generation, is now more than an internet phenomenon. With the phrase garnering an ever-growing presence among Generation Z, IF placement Cameron Leitch investigates how the phrase has developed and what its popularity says about current intergenerational attitudes