COVID-19 has impressively shown how conceptions of ‘age’ can divide generations at a time when social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity are particularly important. Media has portrayed many older people as vulnerable, weak and in need of protection. Similarly, intergenerational tension was felt among the younger population, as social distancing and other public health measures were primarily aimed to benefit older generations, yet the economic and social costs of these measures were imposed overwhelmingly on young people. At the same time, the pressure felt by younger people to live up to moral expectations was high, and when not done as expected they were denounced as selfish. Therein, intergenerational solidarity is now needed more than ever.
Therefore, Intergenerational digital service-learning represents a pedagogical approach that has the potential to address the issue of intergenerational solidarity.
The guide has been structured into 6 Main Chapters listed below