Intergenerational solidarity in family: Influence of the education level on frequency of contacts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to research the influence of the adult child’s and parent’s education level on the frequency of contacts between the adult child and parent, since the frequency of contacts is recognised by the intergenerational solidarity model as one of the factors strengthening the intergenerational solidarity in the family. Influence of the adult child’s and parent’s education level on time spent on the way to the parent’s home, and time spent on the way as a factor promoting frequency of contacts or preventing contacts was studied as well. Participants of the study were 332 adult children aged 18-62, residing in Latvia, and having at least one living parent. Results of the study showed that education of an adult child and a parent affected the frequency of meetings in person, frequency of contacts by phone, and the use of the information technologies. Time spent on the way to the parent’s home affected the frequency of meetings in person and of the frequency of contacts by phone.

Keywords

• frequency of contact
• family relations
• intergenerational solidarity