Assessment of intergenerational solidarity in the Russian university community

Abstract

The relevance of a study of intergenerational solidarity in the Russian university community stems from a set of multiple external and internal challenges. These challenges include a structural staffing crisis, digital transformation that deepens generational gaps, and intensive institutional reforms that generate value conflicts. This article aims to explore the current state of intergenerational relations in academia and to identify factors that foster solidarity and provoke conflict. The author uses the qualitative sociological research based on 41 semi-structured interviews with representatives of universities in the Ural Federal District as the leading method. The analysis of research data applies an adapted six-parameter model developed by Bengtson and Joshi. The key results show that intergenerational relations do not fit a “conflict — solidarity” dichotomy. Instead, they reflect an intermediate condition of disagreement and parallel coexistence. The results indicate that relatively stable functional solidarity (effective cooperation in grant-funded projects) acts as a consolidating factor. At the same time, a deficit of consensual solidarity (value gaps between generations) and a weakening of everyday structural and associative ties become the foundation for latent conflict. The practical significance of this article consists in to justify the necessity of targeted management decisions, including the creation of dialogue platforms and the development of mentoring programs, to bridge these gaps and strengthen consolidation within the university community.

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