Abstract: The article presents some results of two all-Russian sociological studies aimed at identifying the specifics and ideological foundations of intergenerational relations in modern Russian society. The object of the study is the consciousness of Russians, and the subject is cultural universals in the context of intergenerational ideological differences. J. Turner's theory of self-categorization was used as a theoretical basis, which is based on the idea of cognitive self-categorization of individuals as members of various communities - local, professional, generational, etc. The key cognitive mechanism of self-categorization is the principle of meta-contrast, the essence of which lies in the effect of a distinctive feature that determines either belonging to a group or not falling into it. These principles formed the basis of the questionnaire of the sociological survey. During the study, questionnaires (N = 1600) in 2023 and 2024 were preceded by a series of focus groups, as well as an analysis of social networks. As a result, ideological fault lines between generations were identified. The following meta-contrasts were identified among those specifying generations: projection of negative characteristics onto younger generation opposed to the older generation' positive qualities; impact of historical events: the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, perestroika of 1985-1991, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, the conquest of space and the Great October Revolution of 1917. General cultural constants included the values of efficiency, responsibility, faith in one's own strength, etc. The anti-values of irresponsibility, impulsiveness, etc., as well as specific attitudes toward two historical events: the Great Patriotic War and the collapse of the USSR were also identified.