Chapter 6: Intergenerational Relations in a Rapidly Changing Social Context: The Case of Estonia

Although Estonia is one of the smallest countries in Europe, its demographic developments are similar to other European countries. An ageing population, migration, and the spread of unmarried cohabitation are among the challenges affecting intergenerational relations. In this chapter the main demographic developments will be highlighted, followed by an overview of social and family policies, which create the context for intergenerational family solidarity. Intergenerational family solidarity in Estonia is mainly represented by multigenerational coresidency, social networks, the existence of different kinds of support between generations, and their effect on various aspects of well-being. There is less information on social norms pertaining to intergenerational family solidarity across generations, expectations with regard to support (e.g., childcare and elder care), and how that support is actually provided in the context of a rising retirement age and changing family forms (e.g., reconstituted families).