Graduate Studies

Retirement In Nova Scotia: Dream or Reality? A Qualitative Review on The Retirement Preparedness of Generation X

MA Sociology Candidate: Naomi MacDonald-Francis

03 April 2025

Hybrid

On Campus: BAC Room 325

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 210 491 963 208
Passcode: 68Zz7Dv3

10:00 AM Atlantic

Thesis Committee:

Dr. Becky Casey, Supervisor
Dr. Julie Ann McMullin, Western University, External Examiner
Dr. Elisabeth Rondinelli, Internal Examiner
Dr. Liam Swiss, Head of Department
Dr. Can Mutlu, Chair of the defence

Abstract

Financial institutions, investment firms, and media outlets have raised concerns about Generation X’s (born 1965–1980) retirement preparedness. However, despite this growing concern academic research on the retirement preparedness of Generation X remains limited. This study examines the financial knowledge and retirement goals of 14 Canadian men and women (born 1967–1980) using a qualitative approach. Through semi-structured interviews and a life course perspective, along with cumulative advantage/disadvantage and social learning theory, this study explores the education, employment history, financial responsibilities, retirement education and preparation of these 14 participants of Generation X. Five key themes emerged: economic security, health, retirement goals, retirement education, and financial planning. Economic challenges, including declining pensions and increased debt, make planning for retirement difficult. Notably, the traditional ideal of fully exiting the workforce is shifting. Whether by choice or by necessity, eight of the 14 participants planned to continue working during their retirement years, reflecting a change in previous retirement expectations.

About Naomi…

Naomi MacDonald is from New Brunswick and has lived in Nova Scotia for the last 35 years. Naomi is working for the Nova Scotia government as a Local Area Coordinator for the Department of Opportunities and Social Development in the Disability Support Program. Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began in 2014 when she attended the Human Service/Disability Support program at NSCC Kingstec. After gaining experience in the field, she returned to school in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Ethnocultural Diversity. During this time, she completed an Honours thesis exploring the economic security and retirement planning of Generation X women. This research was inspired by her own experiences as a single mother who had spent years outside the paid workforce without savings, investments, or a pension. Following this research, Naomi pursued a Master’s degree in Sociology where she investigated the retirement prospects of Generation X, examining their ability to retire, the factors that impact this process, and how they visualize retirement. Her research examines the social and structural influences that shape their retirement experiences. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was awarded the prestigious Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship. Naomi is committed to understanding social and economic issues that impact diverse communities and hopes her research will contribute to meaningful policy discussions.