Is Mandatory Retirement Morally Defensible?: Ethics, Economics, and Law in Ageing Societies

The topic of banning mandatory retirement has sparked debate as ageing populations transform societies. Comparing ageism to sexism and racism, this book addresses the philosophical concerns of age discrimination as well as the ethical and social considerations of personal dignity, economic efficiency, and employment insecurity. This edited volume fosters theoretical discourse by drawing on interdisciplinary conceptual frameworks from philosophy, ethics, economics, social work, and law. Distinguished contributors—including philosophers, bioethicists, social scientists, and legal experts—critically examine Lazear's influential theory of mandatory retirement. They also develop compelling comparisons between mandatory retirement policies and the Victorian Factory Acts and analyze how prohibiting mandatory retirement could substantially benefit workers in mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). This title is essential reading for scholars and students of practical ethics, bioethics, public policy, labour and public economics, social work, and employment law.