Age Cohort Differences in Opinions About Social Security

Abstract

This study examines age cohort differences in opinions about social security using data gathered from a probability sample of 1,030 (57.7% response rate) adult Alabamians. Respondents in each of three age categories—under 45, 45-59, and 60 or older—generally resist changing current entitlements, although those in the oldest cohort are somewhat stronger supporters of maintaining current benefits than are those in the other cohorts. Those who are younger, on the other hand, are less satisfied than those who are older with the current system as compared with private pensions. Consequently, those in the younger cohort would have future retirees less dependent on social security than would those in the older cohorts.