Pension policy in the UK and US is designed on the assumption that people make informed financial decisions, consistently invest in pensions and manage diverse portfolios. Deviating from this is often deemed irresponsible and irrational. However, this assumption overlooks uncontrollable factors like caring duties, employment breaks or income limitations. Even when individuals act as expected, unpredictable market shifts can hinder long-term planning.

This book redefines deviations to "rational behaviour" as logical responses to a dysfunctional system. Challenging existing theoretical discussions and policy approaches, it proposes a fresh perspective on rationality when it comes to financial practices and policy.

About the Author
Ariane Agunsoye is Senior Lecturer in Economics at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Reviews
"Thinking beyond the 'rational' investor or 'irresponsible' financial behaviour, Agunsoye's interdisciplinary approach to financialisation and everyday lives offers fresh insights into how households make sense of their savings and investment decisions. By highlighting the constraints and contradictions intrinsic to the current asset-based welfare system, this book also challenges us to consider what kind of policy approaches would be required to address financial inequalities, particularly due to gender and ethnicity." Karen P.Y. Lai, Durham University



Book Information
ISBN 9781529232257
Author Ariane Agunsoye
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Bristol University Press
Publisher Bristol University Press