Studying the politics of pension reforms and their social consequences

This chapter reviews the interdisciplinary field of pension research, providing an overview on the design, reform politics, and challenges of current pension systems in Europe. The research has moved from a concern about economic sustainability and reform capability to the social consequences of reforms and the need to adapt to societal changes. Comparative research had focused on pension system differences in terms of pension tiers and pillars, and the Beveridge vs. Bismarckian models, assuming path dependence, though research needs to understand the changing systems. Socio-economic research has shifted its focus on the problems of maintaining the living standard for the elderly, mitigate old-age poverty, and reduce social inequalities such as gender gaps. An outlook considers the need for a new research agenda in response to social and economic change, e.g., the destandardisation of careers and economic crises, including the Coronavirus pandemic.