Moving between wage work and retirement – the commitment to wage work in later life in Hong Kong

Purpose Relatively few studies about retirement transition examine economies, where a public pension system is absent. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature. Design/methodology/approach The present study draws on the stratification and risk society approach, as well as results from unstructured interviews with 12 Chinese in Hong Kong. Findings The analyses show that the retirement transition involves moving between different forms of wage work and non-work status. These moves were undertaken because of not only financial needs but also a strong desire to be a financially self-reliant and intrinsic commitment to employment. The authors argue that the desire and commitment to employment are shaped by the underdeveloped pension system, practical orientation towards traditional Chinese filial piety norms and personal work history. Research limitations/implications The current research covers only a very small sample and uses retrospective interviewing instead of a larger and/or representative sample using prospective panel interview. Nevertheless, the research carries theoretical and policy implications of the study on retirement transition and protection. Originality/value Few local studies track retirement transitions in the way similar to the current studies. Existing studies are mostly about advanced Anglo-Saxon economies with a long history of public pension, albeit reformed in recent year, in place. The current study adds to the general literature on retirement studies.