Comparison between the Spanish and Italian early work retirement models: a cluster analysis approach

The aim of this study is to compare the Spanish and Italian early work retirement (EWR) models in a sample comprising individuals from both countries based on the level of voluntariness involved in labour market exit, and their psychosocial outcomes, perceived consequences, socio-demographic variables and motivation associated. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a total sample of 1.131 early work retirees (605 Spaniards and 526 Italians) drawn from different sectors of activity, and we use a cluster analysis approach. In the Spanish but not in the Italian case, EWR was predominantly perceived as forced. By means of K-means cluster analysis, four groups of early retirees are identified in both countries regarding their perceived outcomes of EWR. Two of these clusters represent extreme –positive or negative– assessments of early retirement consequences, while the remaining two reflect intermediate evaluations. This study reveals the existence of significant differences in the level of voluntariness between the Spanish EWR and its Italian counterpart, in line with the findings obtained by other researchers, and supports the conclusions of studies that suggest the existence of differences in post-employment life depending on the level of voluntariness concerned in retirement from the labour market.