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Inter-generational housing inequalities: ‘Baby Boomers’ versus the ‘Millennials’

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  • Jennifer Hoolachan

    (Cardiff University, UK)

  • Kim McKee

    (St Andrews University, UK)

Abstract

In contrast to the post-war period, the late 20th and early 21st centuries in the UK have been characterised by the advancement of neoliberal policies including privatisation of the housing system and employment casualisation. Consequently, there are growing socioeconomic inequalities between those born in the post-war period – the ‘Baby Boomers’ – and the younger generation – the ‘Millennials’. Such inequalities have led to narratives of inter-generational conflict with Baby Boomers framed as jeopardising the futures of Millennials. Drawing on Mannheim’s theory of social generations, the concept of generational habitus and qualitative data from 49 Baby Boomers and 62 Millennials, we unpack the ways in which inter-generational inequalities are intersubjectively understood and discussed. Our data indicate that while young people are aware of inter-generational inequalities, they do not feel resentful towards their parents’ generation for profiting at their expense. Instead, many blame the government for not representing their interests. Thus, narratives of inter-generational conflict misleadingly direct blame towards the agency of Baby Boomers rather than political structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Hoolachan & Kim McKee, 2019. "Inter-generational housing inequalities: ‘Baby Boomers’ versus the ‘Millennials’," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 56(1), pages 210-225, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:56:y:2019:i:1:p:210-225
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098018775363
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kim McKee & Jenny Muir & Tom Moore, 2017. "Housing policy in the UK: the importance of spatial nuance," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(1), pages 60-72, January.
    2. Juliet Stone & Ann Berrington & Jane Falkingham, 2014. "Gender, Turning Points, and Boomerangs: Returning Home in Young Adulthood in Great Britain," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 51(1), pages 257-276, February.
    3. Melek Cigdem & Stephen Whelan, 2017. "Intergenerational transfers and housing tenure – Australian evidence," European Journal of Housing Policy, Taylor and Francis Journals, vol. 17(2), pages 227-248, April.
    4. Peter A. Kemp, 2015. "Private Renting After the Global Financial Crisis," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(4), pages 601-620, July.
    5. Kim McKee, 2012. "Young People, Homeownership and Future Welfare," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(6), pages 853-862.
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