Abstract
Inferences from previous studies on the meaning of work and retirement for older female blue-collar workers are reviewed. Data are reported on willingness to retire and several related attitudinal variables with particular reference to differences between semi-skilled female and male subjects who approach retirement age. Results show that female subjects are less likely to be positively oriented toward retirement than are male Ss. For both sexes, reluctance to retire is associated with expected deprivations of a primarily extrinsic nature. However, among women work-based social ties emerge as the chief correlate of the wish to go on working. It is suggested that female Ss' pre-retirement attitudes are, in part, an extension of their degree of satisfaction with social attributes of the work situation. Their comparatively stronger inclination to remain employed may be affected by a changing life style which becomes less decisively centered on the home and its diminishing range of social options.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.