Can We Talk?: Impediments to Intergenerational Communication and Practice in Law School Elder Law Clinics

Elder Law Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, p. 185, 1998

Thomas Jefferson School of Law Research Paper No. 1475453

31 Pages Posted: 19 Sep 2009 Last revised: 9 Nov 2009

Abstract

Because older and younger Americans bring vastly different life perspectives to dialogic encounters, the current generations of older and younger Americans have difficulty discussing solutions to national problems that will affect both groups, such as health care and Social Security reform.

This article postulates, however, that the two groups will be better able to communicate, despite their different experiences, if both groups meet in a common social milieu. The article suggests that because elder law clinics encounter issues similar to national problems faced by both age groups, they are ideal arenas within which dialogic encounters can take place between older and younger Americans. The article concludes with a discussion of ethical issues that elder law clinic practitioners may face during such encounters.

Keywords: elder law, law school clinics, intergenerational dialogue, older Americans, senior citizens, generation gap

JEL Classification: K40, K49

Suggested Citation

Berenson, Steven K., Can We Talk?: Impediments to Intergenerational Communication and Practice in Law School Elder Law Clinics. Elder Law Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, p. 185, 1998, Thomas Jefferson School of Law Research Paper No. 1475453, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1475453

Steven K. Berenson (Contact Author)

Thomas Jefferson School of Law ( email )

701 B Street
Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
619-961-4205 (Phone)

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