Intergenerational Solidarity: Perceptions of Young Adults

Abstract

This paper focuses on the intergenerational solidarity perceptions of young adults (aged between 18 and 30) in Portugal regarding how solidarity is intertwined with digital media uses, appropriations, and embodiments during the pandemic context. Therefore, this research departs from the following questions: (RQ1) Do Portuguese young adults perceive to use of the Internet to communicate with family members? If so, with whom do they communicate? (RQ2) How is solidarity intertwined with digital media uses, appropriations and embodiments? Data collection was performed between 8 and 17 October 2021, and according to the representative sample of 1500 young adults in Portugal, using the Internet to communicate with any family member is an almost unanimous activity (96.2%). Furthermore, results show that digitally mediated relationships with relatives over 65 mobilised structural, associational and affectual intergenerational solidarity.