Intergenerational transfers: a question of perspective.

Informal intergenerational transfers have traditionally been examined from the perspective of the older generation; more recent studies have proceeded from the perspective of adult children. Drawing upon principles of formal demography, we establish the mathematical relationship between the two generations' perspectives. We then consider the importance of generational perspective with regard to prevalence estimates of intrafamily transfers. Transfers examined include coresidence, household and financial assistance, and personal caregiving. Results have implications for projection of future trends in intrafamily transfers and for data collection.