Abstract
In this final chapter we will discuss the main findings of Parts IV and V in view of our theoretical model. The review of the empirical results is followed by a critical appraisal of the methods used. Lastly, we present our concluding remarks about the capacity of the Vulnerability Typology (eight categories emerging at the intersection of the objective, self-assessed and perceived measures) to serve as a shortened index for identifying sub-groups with distinct profiles of economic vulnerability.
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- 1.
It is obviously plausible that factors other than the loss of income at retirment may lead to financial strain.
- 2.
As exception, type BAB could be mentioned.
- 3.
This statement does not contradict the previous discussion about downward adaptation: here, we are referring to the experience at the time of measurement (the survey interview), which does not exclude the possibility of adaptation mechanisms that lead to a different assessment at a future point in time.
- 4.
The original quotation is ‘Not so much having equal shame as others, but just not being ashamed, absolutely.’ (Sen 1983, p.161).
- 5.
- 6.
The fourth type emerging at the intersection of the Objective and the Self-Assessed Measure is type AA, which is strictly speaking not a ‘vulnerable’ type.
- 7.
As mentioned previously, the distinction between risk constellation 3 and 4b) can only take place once the Perceived Measure (denoted by the X) is taken into account, which will be the case later in this chapter.
- 8.
This rate is higher than the one recorded for the overall sample or for any other vulnerable group.
- 9.
This interpretation diverges from our original hypothesis that health would be a factor that increases financial needs. However, in light of previous findings, the presented conclusion seems more pertinent.
- 10.
As mentioned before, apart from this exception, the variable cinema barely showed any differences in the response pattern among the types BBX, ABX and BAX, which is why it will not be discussed further in this conclusion.
- 11.
2004, 2006, 2010.
- 12.
The researchers used dummy variables to control for cross-country differences in eligibility, distinguishing between early and full pension ages.
- 13.
The original quote in French and in German:
‘La prévoyance professionnelle conjuguée avec l’assurance-vieillesse, survivants et invalidité permet à l’assuré de maintenir de manière appropriée son niveau de vie antérieur. ‘Constitution Fédérale, Article 117.
‘Die berufliche Vorsorge ermöglicht zusammen mit der Alters-, Hinterlassenen- und Invalidenversicherung die Fortsetzung der gewohnten Lebenshaltung in angemessener Weise.’ Schweizerische Bundesverfassung, Artikel 117.
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Henke, J. (2020). Discussion and Final Conclusion. In: Revisiting Economic Vulnerability in Old Age. Life Course Research and Social Policies, vol 11. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36323-9_30
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