The age profile of austerity policies during the Great Recession: The case of Spain

Abstract

The austerity policies implemented in Spain during the years of the «great recession» (2008-2014) have had diverse effects on the socio-economic and vital conditions of children, young people and the elderly. In particular, the agenda of public policies and social spending applied during the crisis increased inequality between these social groups, privileging the interests of the adult population and the elderly, and calling into question7 the principle of inter-generational solidarity on which our familistic welfare system. In this article we describe this phenomenon and highlight the dominant narratives formulated by the main political actors when defining the rules of eligibility of the beneficiaries of public policies and attending to the specific needs of each age group. The statistical and documentary evidence collected points to the convenience of reflecting on the foundations of the inter-generational pact that organizes the redistribution of public resources in our country and that must ensure the sustainability of our social protection system.