Profiguration

Intergenerational Health and Education

Profiguration and the consequent profigurative socialization are based on a key idea: interdependence between generations. It proposes a new social contract in which all ages actively participate in the construction of society and in the processes of socialization.

Based on Margaret Mead’s contributions on models of cultural transmission, profiguration broadens this perspective and focuses on strengthening intergenerational relationships. The aim is to move towards a society capable of overcoming the gap between generations and questioning ageism, both towards old age and youth.

In this framework, research explores new ways to promote dialogue, coexistence and cooperation between people of different ages, and to advance towards a broader conception of human sustainability. A view that understands the ecological and social dimensions as inseparable realities and that places relationships between people at the center. Profiguration thus shows that interdependence is essential to combat loneliness and promote a full life throughout all stages of life. Building a profigurative society implies recognizing that all generations have something to contribute and that, at the same time, all can learn from each other, within the framework of the Course of Life.

It is, therefore, a concept with a transversal impact, the applicability of which is explored in three areas: health, education and social innovation.

In the field of health, profiguration can open new paths that go beyond the traditional model of care and incorporate intergenerational co-responsibility. The working hypothesis is that integrating profigurative dynamics into health care can contribute to improving people’s experience and, at the same time, strengthen bonds between generations.

Group IP: Fidel Molina-Luque

Institution: University of Lleida

Group website here. 

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