"Millennials": Perceived generational opportunities and intergenerational conflict in Australia **

Abstract

Objective To investigate the perceptions of intergenerational conflict and lifelong opportunities of the Millennial cohort.

Methods Data were collected in the Attitudes to Ageing in Australia Study as part of the 2015–2017 national Australian Survey of Social Attitudes (n = 2049, aged 18 and older). Variations by age cohorts and individual characteristics were examined in descriptive analyses and binary logistic regressions.

Results Overall, the majority of people at all ages thought opportunities were worse for younger people than for baby boomers, but few perceived strong conflict between younger and older people. Millennials were the most likely to perceive strong conflict. People rendered ‘disadvantaged’ by their socio‐economic positions were more likely to perceive better opportunities for younger people and strong intergenerational conflict.

Conclusion Policymakers should address the barriers that Millennials and other socio‐economically disadvantaged people face to improve their lifelong opportunities and address increasing social inequalities in Australia.