The New Social Contract Between Generations

The cornerstone of this book is the innovative concept of profiguration, a term coined by Fidel Molina-Luque to encapsulate the essential agreement and recognition required between generations in contemporary society. Profiguration emphasises the intrinsic value of interdependence across all age groups, fostering a holistic life experience for the young, adults and the elderly. Rooted in our social nature, especially crucial amid the current crisis, profiguration becomes a poignant antidote to loneliness. The imperative of mutual love and care is heightened, illuminating the path to a fulfilled existence. This book advocates a paradigm shift through the lenses of sociology and social sciences, stressing the urgency of a mindset overhaul. It calls for a new social contract grounded in altruism for both current and future generations, highlighting the importance of love, solidarity and dialogue. Beyond interpersonal dynamics, it underscores the pivotal roles of education, sustainability and environmental stewardship, aspiring to shape a more promising present and future within a conscientious societal framework. Tailored to engage scholars, professionals and students alike, its accessible concepts are easily comprehensible and applicable across the following fields: sociology, anthropology, social work, education, law and business administration and health studies (medicine, nursing, physiotherapy), among others. Chapters 1, 3 and 5 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY] 4.0 license.

Fidel Molina-Luque is Professor of Sociology at University of Lleida, Spain. His research spans a broad range of topics, including the sociology of education and intercultural education; negotiation; mediation and conflict resolution; qualitative methodology; sociology of health and social determinants of health; intergenerational relations; leisure and sports; and leadership, management and human resources training. Recent publications are The Art of Living as a Community: Profiguration, Sustainability, and Social Development in Rapa Nui (2020), Profiguration, Active Ageing and Creativity: Keys for Quality of Life and Overcoming Ageism (2022).

1. Introduction: the reason for this book 2. "Love is like chewing gum": extensions of affection and appreciation 3. "Actions speak louder than words": educate by example 4. "A clean hand wants no washing": sustainability and capitalism on stage 5. "A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall": coexistence reinforced daily 6. "The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least": happiness and the meaning of life 7. Conclusions: futurability, profiguration and love