04/03 To raise or not to raise, that is the question

China.org.cn, March 4, 2011

Editor's Notes:

The Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security is considering raising the retirement age for women from 50 or 55 to nearly 60. The proposal has stirred debate about the retirement age for both sexes and whether women and men should retire at the same time.

According to current regulations, women normally retire at 50, unless they are public servants, in which case they retire at 55. Men retire at 60.

The rules have not changed since the 1950s and social changes plus the aging profile of China's population have led many to question the relatively low retirement age set for women. Many people believe a flexible system in which women can decide when they want to retire would be ideal.

China.org.cn asked scholars, journalists and social commentators for their opinions

Catherine Wen: Raise the retirement age and let women achieve more

Women should have the opportunity to fully develop in their career. Since most career women have to take time out to have children and raise their families, success can come comparatively slowly. And when they finally begin to achieve success, they find retirement looming and their careers come to a premature end. >>

Zhai Qi: Don't rush changes on women's retirement

It would be wonderful if the NPC had proposed women should be given the right to decide if they will retire earlier than the official retirement age, which would illustrate the democratic side of China. But although this plan looks as beautiful as Helen of Troy, Chinese people will find it hard to sing its praises. >>

Xiao Shuqiao: Same retirement age benefits both genders

I believe men and women should retire at the same age. First of all, international conventions agreed by the United Nations stipulate that women should have the equal rights at work. Different retirement ages no less than different recruitment standards count as discrimination against women. >>

John Sexton: Reject calls to raise retirement age for women

Calls to raise the retirement age for Chinese women are part of a world-wide trend to erode social provisions. They should be resisted. >>

Lisa Carducci: Questioning the retirement age

It is one thing to allow early retirement; it is quite another thing to force people to retire. I think major changes should be implemented. >>


Halted in mid-career [By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn]