Introduction

Abstract

Raising the pensionable age is an unpopular and straightforward change that cannot be easily camouflaged. The Introduction asks why some countries have nonetheless been able to increase the age of entitlement for state pensions: we observe some convergence, with an increasing number of countries undertaking these reforms, whilst there is also divergence regarding the extent and content of the reforms. The Introduction defines the research question: How did certain countries increase their state pension age? The aim is to establish whether we can identify cross-country patterns and trends in the formation and content of state pension age (and equivalent) reforms. The Introduction also argues that the answer will only be found in the triggers and factors in play in the policy-making process in each country.