Abhatoo - Centre Nationale de Documentation

We consider the recent trends in pension policies in OECD countries in light of both demographic ageing and path dependency associated with welfare regime type (Liberal, Social Democratic, Continental, and Southern European). These regime types represent differential responsibility for social security on the part of market, the state, and family. While there are significant differences in labor market characteristics, the demographic similarities in ageing bring similar pressures for pension reforms across various OECD countries. These reforms are addressing fiscal issues in state pensions, typically by increasing the length of the working life, placing more of the pension responsibility on individuals, or converting to defined contribution approaches. The reforms, nonetheless, take somewhat different forms. Our study shows that there is no single path for pension reforms, and welfare states tend to follow their traditional paths with some variations.