Employment and Social Integration in Midlife

Abstract

Policy makers aim to raise the retirement age for economic reasons. For individuals, longer employment maintains income and social contacts. However, retirement allows more time for socially integrating activities with family and friends. There is therefore tension for midlife individuals between the perceived advantages of employment and retirement. Welfare states vary in policies toward older workers, in terms of incentives for working longer or “early exit,” which may influence individuals’ preferences concerning retirement timing. Data from 20 European countries were used to examine middle-aged women’s and men’s attitudes toward employment and other time uses. The analysis incorporated age, gender, socioeconomic circumstances, and type of welfare regime. Work-life conflict was evident, expressed as preferring more time for family, friends, and leisure, especially where employment rates were highest and more for women than men. Many full-timers preferred shorter hours. Differences between desired and actual employment status were greatest among working-class, female, and older individuals. Unmet demand for jobs was most common in transitional and Mediterranean welfare states. The likelihood of employment was related to the type of welfare regime.