Abstract
Purpose - This study provides an empirical analysis of factors that affect support networks among retirees in 13 countries.Design/methodology/approach - It examines two propositions drawing from support network theory and the classification of countries by welfare systems. It uses fixed-effect causal models to examine how retirement and socio-demographic variables influence kinship and friendship support networks. Data are drawn from the Social Relations and Support Systems module of the International Social Survey Programme 2001.Findings - The results show that retirees’ friendship-based support networks are almost one-third smaller than those of working persons. Furthermore, this difference is greater in welfare systems that spend more on social well-being.Research limitations/implications - However, the relationship between informal support networks and welfare systems is complex, which indicates a need to further the debate on the co-existence of formal and informal aid systems.Originality/value - This study’s main sociological confirmation is that the relationship between the size of support networks and the type of welfare system is irregular and complex. The results make a significant contribution to the debate on the relationship between formal and informal care among a group of people during a critical life-cycle phase, such as retirement.
Purpose - This study provides an empirical analysis of factors that affect support networks among retirees in 13 countries.Design/methodology/approach - It examines two propositions drawing from support network theory and the classification of countries by welfare systems. It uses fixed-effect causal models to examine how retirement and socio-demographic variables influence kinship and friendship support networks. Data are drawn from the Social Relations and Support Systems module of the International Social Survey Programme 2001.Findings - The results show that retirees’ friendship-based support networks are almost one-third smaller than those of working persons. Furthermore, this difference is greater in welfare systems that spend more on social well-being.Research limitations/implications - However, the relationship between informal support networks and welfare systems is complex, which indicates a need to further the debate on the co-existence of formal and informal aid systems.Originality/value - This study’s main sociological confirmation is that the relationship between the size of support networks and the type of welfare system is irregular and complex. The results make a significant contribution to the debate on the relationship between formal and informal care among a group of people during a critical life-cycle phase, such as retirement.