Relative Generational Size and Economic Inequality

Much has been written about the problems created when a very large generation (e.g., the Baby Boom) is followed by a small generation, most notably fiscal strain on age-based social welfare programs. But in his informative book “The Pinch” (thoughtful review here), David Willetts, MP makes the point that there is also an advantage to the smaller generation following a bigger generation: There are more adults around to socialize you, support you and help you grow up. As a result, if you are born into a relatively small generation you are less likely to engage in antisocial behavior, drop out of school, become addicted to drugs, and the like than are people born into a large generation.

However, this benefit is not available across social classes in Britain. In the nation as a whole, there are 4 adults for every person under the age of 18. But on the housing estates children and adolescents often outnumber adults. As Willetts notes, the ratio of adults to children on some of the most deprived estates is comparable to that of the poorest and youngest nations in the world. This virtually ensures that economic inequality will be maintained, because the kids who need the most adult mentoring, support, monitoring and guidance get far less than do the more affluent children of their same generation.