Ziet men een tegenstelling tussen jong en oud? Een studie naar de invloed van sociale identificatie, competitie en contact

In this study we ask to what extent the Dutch population perceives a conflict
between the young and old and how we can explain this. We use Social
Identification Theory, Realistic Conflict Theory, and Contact Theory to derive
hypotheses. These are tested with newly collected data on a representative
sample of the Dutch population which are analyzed with Structural Equation
Modelling. A considerable part of the population perceives conflicting interests
between the young and old, but fewer people see a real conflict. In line
with Realistic Conflict Theory people who experience incompatible interests
between age groups in the labor market also perceive a larger conflict
between young and old. We do not find that people who identify stronger
with a certain age group (Social Identification Theory) or who have a more
age-homogeneous network (Contact Theory) perceive more conflict. A weak
economic position seems to be a predictor of experiencing all kinds of conflict
in society, including one between age groups.