Background

Switzerland lacks (up-to-date) data that would allow for a detailed description and comprehensive examination of intergenerational relationships in adulthood. How well do the generations get along with one another? What kind of support do parents provide to their adult children, and what do children provide to their parents? How often and why do tension or conflict arise? Do differences exist among intergenerational relationships between poor and rich, young and old, women and men or regions? If yes, why? This project should answer these and many further questions.

The project is dedicated to studying the relationships between adults and their parents. It involves three focuses of research. First, it examines the cohesion between adult family generations. The spectrum ranges from emotional closeness to contact and various means of support. Second, it investigates possible tensions, conflicts, and ambivalences as well as potential burdens, excessive demands, dissatisfaction, and estrangement between generations. Third, it will explore how regional or cantonal contexts (e.g., the economic situation, welfare-state regulations, or cultural specifics) affect intergenerational relationships.

For this research project, a new questionnaire was developed and rigorously tested through extensive preliminary work. The survey consists of three parts. First, the respondents are asked a few general questions about them personally and their environment. Then they are asked about their relationship with their mother. Finally, they are asked the same questions with regard to their father.