Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Concept of Retirement: An Analytic Redefinition

Abstract

A cross-cultural valid analytic definition of retirement remains elusive in gerontology despite a long tradition of research on the topic. Inadequate attention has been paid to consistently defining the key concepts used to examine retirement and to specifying its occurrence in non-Western, nonindustrial societies. This paper critically reviews basic cultural tenets in the notion of retirement, and proposes a more comparatively valid definition. It then proposes a three part comparative categorization by exploring retirement in contemporary Western nations and comparing it with retirement-like practices from a range of non-Western cultures including Thai, Chinese, Ladak, Fulani, Lusi and Aymara.

Meaning of Death: an Exploration of Perception of Elderly in a Bangladeshi Village

“…Rather, the fear was associated with worldly responsibilities such as getting the children married. This finding however may vary in urban setting, where it is extremely important to maintain one's identity as a useful economic entity (Luborsky and LeBlanc 2003). But in rural settings, sense of reciprocity of the children towards their elderly parents created an air of acceptance among the elderly towards death.…”

Components of a Meaningful Retirement Life—A Phenomenological Study of the 1950s Birth Cohort in Urban China

“…Meanwhile, cultural meaning plays a crucial role in the retirement process (Luborsky 1994;Luborsky and LeBlanc 2003). In their cross-cultural studies in Africa, Ireland, United States, and Hong Kong (China), Fry et al (1997) have found that there are great differences in addition to commonalities in terms of a good old age.…”

On leaving work as a calling: retirement as an existential imperative

“…This process can be interpreted as an individualisation process enacted by the institution of retirement. Following this, individual welfare is based on the idea of the right to income security in old age without being dependent on others' good will (Luborsky & LeBlanc 2003).…”

“…Therefore, it can be seen as an anomaly in relation to the institution of retirement, as it may be difficult at a given point of time to leave the existential On leaving work as a calling meaning of work. Through entitlement to state-supported pension income, an individual may legitimately abstain from the duties of paid employment without losing his or her legal status and social identity as a full adult, and without being stigmatised as dependent (Luborsky & LeBlanc 2003). However, in work-oriented societies where work is associated with virtue and honour, it could also be emphasised that retirement as a mandatory institution excludes older people from the labour force (Ekerdt 1986).…”