Intergenerational Learning in the Family as an Informal Learning Process: A Review of the Literature

As an informal learning process, intergenerational learning in the family acts as a mechanism for the reciprocal transmission of knowledge between youth and adults. This scoping review of the literature synthesizes recent research relevant to intergenerational learning in the family between both adjacent and non-adjacent generations with the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of how familial interactions align with three core principles of designed intergenerational learning experiences: learning about one’s own generation and other generations, reciprocal and equal exchanges, and shared commitments. The review revealed a fourth category, relationship building, which is unique to intergenerational experiences within the family context. Additional results are discussed and recommendations for future research around familial intergenerational learning are provided.