When Baby Boom Women Retire - by Nancy Dailey (Paperback)

About the Book

Fewer than 20% of Baby Boom women will experience a secure retirement. Marriage, education, occupation, home ownership--these variables predict their future. Possession of all four indicates retirement security, and absence of any increases risk of old-age poverty. This riveting sociological study also examines the social relations and structures that will determine the retirement experience, options, and decisions for more than 40 million Baby Boom women. These women's material base and social status are examined through the use of empirical data, and the key predictors of their retirement are identified.

The massive entry of Baby Boom women into the labor force increases the importance of retirement planning for working women. It comes at a time when existing research models and data are outdated and inadequate to effectively predict their future retirement experience. Over the past 30 years, American men and their spouses have benefited from the linear, undifferentiated model of the traditional male retirement. For the Baby Boom generation, however, the nature of work has changed significantly. The current retirement model may not serve Baby Boom men as well as in the past, let alone Baby Boom women. In contrast, this book offers a new, dynamic model that considers the social and work structures influencing women's lives and that accurately reflects the predictors and parameters of Baby Boom women's retirement.

Book Synopsis

Fewer than 20% of Baby Boom women will experience a secure retirement. Marriage, education, occupation, home ownership--these variables predict their future. Possession of all four indicates retirement security, and absence of any increases risk of old-age poverty. This riveting sociological study also examines the social relations and structures that will determine the retirement experience, options, and decisions for more than 40 million Baby Boom women. These women's material base and social status are examined through the use of empirical data, and the key predictors of their retirement are identified.

The massive entry of Baby Boom women into the labor force increases the importance of retirement planning for working women. It comes at a time when existing research models and data are outdated and inadequate to effectively predict their future retirement experience. Over the past 30 years, American men and their spouses have benefited from the linear, undifferentiated model of the traditional male retirement. For the Baby Boom generation, however, the nature of work has changed significantly. The current retirement model may not serve Baby Boom men as well as in the past, let alone Baby Boom women. In contrast, this book offers a new, dynamic model that considers the social and work structures influencing women's lives and that accurately reflects the predictors and parameters of Baby Boom women's retirement.

Review Quotes

"A work that combines meticulous scholarship with a keen sense of direction for women's retirement future. It is rare that a solidly data-based study also captures so much of what matters qualitatively for women, as they consider their work experience and their prospects of well-being. Impressive."-Jurg K. Siegenthaler Professor, Applied Sociology/Social Policy Program American University

"By far . . . one of the most comprehensive texts I have read on the issues impacting on baby boom women. [It] will make a tremendous contribution to the pre-retirement literature."-Christopher L. Hayes Executive Director, National Center for Women and Retirement Research Southampton College

"Dailey's book is one of the best examinations of women's labor force and retirement behavior....[it is] comprehensive, well referenced, and clearly written. For students, faculty, and professionals in many areas including women's studies, sociology, gerontology, and economics."-Choice

"Nancy Dailey documents what many have long feared: the United States is approaching an era that will be distinguished by record numbers and uniquely high percentages of retired persons....[and] women will be the heavy losers in the retirement battles ahead....[This book] should be read aloud in the meetings of every women's organization in America. The time to change a bleak future is now."-Business Library Review

?Dailey's book is one of the best examinations of women's labor force and retirement behavior....[it is] comprehensive, well referenced, and clearly written. For students, faculty, and professionals in many areas including women's studies, sociology, gerontology, and economics.?-Choice

?Nancy Dailey documents what many have long feared: the United States is approaching an era that will be distinguished by record numbers and uniquely high percentages of retired persons....[and] women will be the heavy losers in the retirement battles ahead....[This book] should be read aloud in the meetings of every women's organization in America. The time to change a bleak future is now.?-Business Library Review

?This book combines in one source all the important issues of baby-boom women's retirement; thus, it is a good tool for policymakers and lobbyists to comprehend better the intricate aspects of women's retirement.?-Monthly Labor Review

"This book combines in one source all the important issues of baby-boom women's retirement; thus, it is a good tool for policymakers and lobbyists to comprehend better the intricate aspects of women's retirement."-Monthly Labor Review

About the Author

NANCY DAILEY, Ph.D., is the co-founder of MoneyLife, Inc./e She has extensive expertise in executive management on issues concerning women, work, and retirement.