Abstract
The paper examines the problem of measuring the effect of generation membership on political attitudes. Using Karl Mannheim's concept of “generation” and “generation units” as a starting point, popular notions of generational differences in political outlook in Germany are discussed. The applicability of cohort analysis to the study of political generations and survey data is treated. Election results and survey data are used to investigate the separation of ageing and generation effects on political attitudes of Germans today. As age differences are linked to education effects, the stability of the impact of higher education is considered. The interaction of generation membership and social structural forces is considered. The importance of the basic demographic process in the study of historical change is stressed.

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