The Retiree Identity: Gender and Race Differences

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study's focus on the retiree identity complements research on institutionalized retirement criteria. We test whether tensions between individuals' own life circumstances and institutionalized retirement criteria manifest themselves in the extent to which individuals assume a retiree identity and in the overlap between self-definitions and attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria. METHODS: The analyses rely on logistic regressions and are based on data from the National Survey of Families and Households (N = 1,633). RESULTS: Labor force participation serves as the main basis for the retiree identity, but other life experiences (work history, disability, spouse's retirement, economic status, family history) also contribute to individuals' self-identification as retiree and the "fit" between self-identification and attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria. Men's retirement identity seems more closely tied to their attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria and a continuous and successful work career, whereas a variety of life circumstances impinge on women's retiree definitions. Moderately disabled African Americans are more likely to self-identify as partly or fully retired. DISCUSSION: While employment constitutes the main reference for individuals' self-definition as retiree, other life circumstances also have some influence. Full understanding of retirement transitions will require more attention to the meaning context of retirement among divergent population groups.

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