ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how intergenerational relations and care changing in a range of African contexts and addresses the theoretical concepts of 'generation' and the 'generational bargain'. Recent literature on youth in contemporary African societies has drawn on the understanding of generation to explore the historical circumstances of a particular cohort affected by economic crisis, urbanization and other development challenges. Anthropological literature highlights the cultural importance of older siblings' roles in caring for younger siblings and in socialization and informal training in many African societies. In many African countries, marriage continues to be the key marker of 'adulthood' for young men and women, particularly in rural areas. The chapter suggests that the 'generational bargain' continues to underpin intergenerational relations and familial caring responsibilities in East and West Africa. It also shows that 'intergenerationality' provides useful insights into the spaces and temporalities of care, family practices and life course transitions.
