This article attempts to consider the evolution of approaches to the understanding of generativity and to highlight the theoretical and empirical foundations of the analysis of the nature of the phenomenon. The first theoretical innovations are associated with the works of E. Erickson and the introduction of the concept in psychology. The use of the concept of "generativity" allowed us to describe the task of adulthood as the desire to show care and support for the next generations. This laid the Foundation for further study of the period of adulthood by other authors. In consequence, the concept was investigated and clarified by J. Kotrom, who identified the types of generativity (biological, parental, technical and cultural) and raised the question of the nature of the formation of generativity throughout life cycles, expanding the age range of the study of this phenomenon. The scientific group headed by D.P. McAdams summarized the results of the research and based on them developed tools for studying generativity. As a result of the work of this group, the structure of generativity was formulated, and the emphasis was shifted from the real manifestation of generativity to generative orientation - a steady desire to make a personal contribution to the next generations. We attempt to offer our interpretation of generativity and on the basis of the analysis of theoretical and empirical works, highlighting as the basis of understanding the phenomenon of the accumulation of skills, abilities and experience that can be useful to the next generations. The analysis of generativity from the point of view of accumulation of necessary resources together with development of cultural traditions, acquisition of the corresponding picture of the mental representations consisting in understanding of mechanisms of transfer of experience, gives the chance to open historical and evolutionary sense of generativity as a resource of intergenerational transmissionin an epoch of civilizational crises.