La fin de carrière professionnelle : une affaire de couple

Retirement reforms in France have pushed back the age of retirement, and these reforms have consequences for the timing of retirement among couples. The PARC study (retirement transitions among couples, a qualitative study undertaken by Ined/Cnav in 2010) interviewed 36 partners from 18 couples, in which one member of the couple was aged between 50 and 70. For the eldest generations, the end of working life was characterized by a traditional relationship within the couple, with men’s careers taking priority. For the youngest generations, the consequences of the emergence of women in the labour market are observed in the timing of retirement when both partners are working; this is subject to negotiation within the couple. Analysis reveals that some couples have adopted strategies that respond to the new retirement legislation. Some have also extended their working life to compensate for past decisions regarding the balance between work and family life, a situation that is particularly relevant for women.