An inquiry into self-identification with retirement

ABSTRACT

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore patterns in self-identification with being retired using deductive thematic analysis informed by the life course perspective. For this study, a set of women who self-identified as retired (n = 60) were asked to describe their current work status, major career interruptions, and factors that marked their retirement. This study provides important insights into the heterogeneity in women’s retirement including a subset of individuals who self-identified as retired, not based on their own work force transitions but on that of their spouse or peers. Findings highlight the importance of recognizing that the construction of retirement identity can be context driven, varied, and subjective.

KEYWORDS:

• Feminist gerontology
• homemaker retirees
• life course perspective
• qualitative research
• retirement identity
• women’s retirement

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank each of the participants, to acknowledge Stefanie Stuart and Deena Mistry for their work as research assistants, and to thank Dr. J. Wisdom for her constructive feedback.

Funding

This study was funded by support from the University of Toronto Scarborough Research Competitiveness Grant.