ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the assumptions underlying the concept of generational equity, with particular attention to notions of fairness and differential stake in the common good. The logic behind the concept of generational equity is flawed on several counts, each of which are discussed separately. The process of drawing such spurious correlations appears to reflect in part a phenomenon alluded to by Ryan in the mid-70s and later described by this author as the new victim blaming. The new victim blaming is particularly well illustrated in the application of a market theory perspective to determinations of appropriate resource allocations for the different age groups. Predictions that young people, and particularly minority youth, may be increasingly resentful of elderly entitlement programs are unsubstantiated by current national survey data which show strong continued support for these programs across generational and ethnic lines.
