The Effects of Intergenerational Program on Solidarity and Perception to Other Generations in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the intergenerational cooperation program, which is the Senior Policy Monitoring Group Project, on intergenerational solidarity and perception changes toward other generations in Korea. A one-group pre/post-test design was adopted, and a purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Collaboration took place with Seoul Association of Senior Welfare Centers and one university to recruit older and younger participants. A total of 34 older people aged more than 60 years and 19 BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) students aged 20 to 25 completed the study project. Every item on the questionnaire of intergenerational solidarity was compared before and after this project. Based on the pre/post-test results, several items on intergenerational solidarity appeared to have statistically significant differences. Based on the measurement of perception changes toward other generations using a scale, only the positive perception of younger generations toward older people increased, while that of older generations did not. Future research need to design bilateral programs in which various generations are together in equal position with common social issues.