Justice Between Generations: The Growing Power of the Elderly in America

As we enter the new millennium, the issues at the top of the political agenda center on the distribution of public resources across the generations. More than one-third of the federal budget is spent on programs for the elderly, including Social Security and Medicare, while critics point out that the number of children under age 18 living in poverty is increasing. As the Baby Boom edges toward retirement and life expectancy increases, an even greater proportion of future resources will be earmarked for older persons. The question destined for debate is what one generation owes another. The answers may reflect societal values of intergenerational obligation or may surface in generational warfare. Central to the challenge of a just resource allocation across the generations is the political clout of seniors, real or perceived.