Novas transmissões materiais e afetivas na aposentadoria: do gosto aos conflitos de “estar junto” em família

Abstract

Retirement is a process marked by changes and adaptations not only for retired individuals but for those around them. Family issues tend to influence from decision making to retirement adjustment. The researches found up until now tend to prioritize the study of the family as a variable of influence on the subject's experience in relation to retirement, especially the marital relationships. The present work, under an interdisciplinary perspective, sought to investigate the inverse relationship, with retirement as a process of transition of the individual and family life course. For this, an exploratory study was carried out under a qualitative approach with a retrospective longitudinal design, aiming to analyze expectations, experience and perception of retirees and spouses about the family dynamics in retirement. The research was carried out with a group of participants, retired, with at least one year of acquisition of the benefit, and spouses. Also they should live in Salvador or metropolitan region and have children. Five men and five women were individually interviewed through a semi-structured interview script about the decision and expectations about retirement; economic conditions, dynamics, roles and family relationships before and at retirement; and the perception of each member of the couple about retirement and its effects on the family. The data was analyzed by the thematic analysis technique and was made comparison of information before and during retirement and correlation with concepts and premises of the life course approach. The results revealed that both retirees and spouses expected retirement to be a time for rest, to take care of themselves and to do what they like, experiencing this period in an active way and with the family. According to the participants' narrative, it was also observed that the retirement coincided with transitions in the life trajectory of other family members. This fact generated movements and changes in the family regarding the availability and flexibility of time to live together and to assume new roles. It is noteworthy that the reports of retirees and spouses revealed a gradual departure from their children and a tendency towards greater conjugal approximation. These two movements are lived with some satisfactions and conflicts. Study participants did not point to major changes in the routine of household chores and care, as were no sharp changes or issues directly related to retirement. Note that the study on retirement can greatly contribute to the understanding of the conjugal and family life experiences.