Zoomers and boomers: intergenerational solidarity in modern Russian society

In our study, we examine the foundations and features of intergenerational solidarity between the modern young generation of Russia (zoomers) and their ancestors (boomers), taking into account that zoomers are the first completely post-Soviet generation, and boomers are the Soviet generation, having gone through a period of active socialization in a completely different social-economic and political formation. Therefore, we are not just studying the space of intergenerational exchange, but also, in a sense, continuity between different eras – the irretrievably gone Soviet past and the current present. The material for analysis is 34 interviews with zoomers and 20 interviews with their grandparents. The theoretical basis of the study is the theory of generations and the model of intergenerational solidarity of V. Bengtson and his colleagues. In maintaining solidarity, intangible transfers play a key role, which consist of emotional exchange and support, as well as the specific role of both parties. The elders act as a source of knowledge not only about the family’s past, but also about the past of a bygone era, and the younger ones serve as reliable guides for their ancestors into the modern digital world. This unique expertise of both parties, along with the general non-conflict nature of zoomers, makes it possible to reduce the conflict potential of relationships in which not just two generations collide, but two completely different eras and value systems. Russian boomers assess their relationships with their grandchildren as warmer and closer in comparison with those they had with their grandparents.