Dual-Earner Couples’ Expectations for Joint Retirement: A Study of Typical and Atypical Congruent and Non-Congruent Couples

Abstract

To what extent do couples expect to retire together? What distinguishes “atypical congruent” couples who expect to retire separately? What distinguishes “non-congruent” couples who disagree on retirement plans? Using U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, we find that “Atypical Congruent” (separate retirement) couples have shorter marriages, larger age differences, unequal decision-making, dependent children, and pension plans for both husband and wife. They are also more frequently interracial or minority couples. “Non-Congruent” couples (who disagree on retirement plans) are distinguished by wife's earnings and husband's occupational status and work schedule.

Citation

Behringer, A., Perrucci, C.C. and Hogan, R. (2005), "Dual-Earner Couples’ Expectations for Joint Retirement: A Study of Typical and Atypical Congruent and Non-Congruent Couples", Texler Segal, M. and Demos, V. (Ed.) Gender Realities: Local and Global (Advances in Gender Research, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1529-2126(05)09005-3