The decline of a homeowning society? Asset-based welfare, retirement and intergenerational equity in Australia

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11485291
AutoresAdam Stebbing (0000-0003-3476-2436, Macquarie University, autor correspondente), Ben Spies-Butcher (0000-0002-0427-5082, Macquarie University)
Ano2016
Volume31
Fascículo2
Páginas190-207
Data de publicação2016-02-17
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHousing Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0267-3037 • E-ISSN: 1466-1810
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02673037.2015.1070797
OpenAlexW1873872198
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas40
Referências citadas46

Researchers have increasingly recognised a link between homeownership levels and retirement policy, particularly in English-speaking welfare states. Housing is central to asset-based welfare policies, which may enable households to efficiently manage life course risks, but may exacerbate wealth inequality and expose them to market volatility. Australia presents an important case for understanding the dynamics of asset-based welfare, with its retirement approach combining high homeownership rates and a limited public pension. This paper investigates emerging generational differences in homeownership in Australia. Recent research has identified declining homeownership amongst younger cohorts. Using cross-sectional data, we explore alternative theoretical explanations for this trend. We find no evidence that declining homeownership reflects changing investment choices or delayed family formation. Instead, recent trends are consistent with intensifying inequalities based on class and care responsibilities. This casts doubt on the viability of Australia as a homeownership society and asset-based retirement policies in a financialised economy

Asset (computer security · Economics · Equity (law · Inequality · Intergenerational equity · Labour economics · Market economy · Pension · Political science · Sustainability · Welfare · Welfare state · Financial Literacy, Pension, Retirement Analysis · Housing Market and Economics · Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism · Finance