Young women workers and pensions in Chile

Abstract

Chile's aging population presents a challenge to its pension system. Chile has very low pensions: half of pensions paid out are below the poverty line, and women are worse off than men. This worries young people, despite their tendency to 'live in the present'. Through semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study explores the way young Chilean women between 20 and 35 years of age (both professional and nonprofessional) perceive the pension system and strategize ways of supporting themselves economically in old age. The results show a negative perception of the pension system and widely shared doubt that women will be able to rely on their pensions in order to maintain a decent standard of living in old age. It also discusses the fact that young women do not mention gender differences within the pension system, despite clear awareness of socioeconomic inequalities and their impacts on pensions. Regarding retirement strategies, the idea of saving is more common than its actual practice, including investment in real estate to compliment low pensions. The paper concludes that there is widespread discontent about pensions and retirement as well as a focus on the present, both of which affect saving practices. This varies according to educational level and family conformation. The results of this research suggest that these factors should be taken into account when analyzing public policy related to this matter.