Međugeneracijska porodična solidarnost u svjetlu druge demografske tranzicije: nalazi iz Nizozemske
Intergenerational Family Solidarity in the Light of the Second Demographic Transition: Findings from the Netherlands

Summary/Abstract: The main intention of the paper is to establish a contextual relationship between these two concepts: intergenerational family solidarity and the second demographic transition (SDT) through a case study of the Netherlands. Although a family is at the core of both concepts, unlike intergenerational family solidarity, SDT is still not universal. The altered demographic reality, which is primarily characterised by low fertility and rapid population ageing, brings numerous challenges, and for this reason there has been increasing interest in intergenerational family solidarity since the turn of the century. The proponents of the SDT concept/theory (van de Kaa and Lesthaeghe in 1986) are not alone in arguing that societal changes, along with the technological progress and shift of values systems, have tremendously impacted family structure as well as family life. This is reflected in the disturbance of relations among family members, plurality of family forms, fragility of intimate bonds, contraction of kin network, and consequently filial norms are not being taken for granted. In that respect the real extent of intergenerational solidarity in the circumstances of defamilism is being questioned, especially bearing in mind that the welfare state in some segments takes a substitutive role. The Netherlands is a paradigmatic country when it comes to SDT and postmodern way of life in general. A large body of literature with empirical findings provide an insight into the different dimensions of intergenerational family solidarity in this highly urbanised and individualistic society.

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