Rethinking Financial Behaviour, livre ebook

Rethinks and redefines norms and theories around pension policy in the UK and US;

Reveals a key problem caused by the rapid financialization of everyday life in the modern world;

Combines social theory, finance, cultural and political economy while offering policy insights.

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.

Part 1: Everyday Financial Subjects

1. Introduction

2. Willing and Unwilling Subjects of Everyday Financialization

Part 2: Construction of the Everyday Asset Manager

3. Normalizing Asset Accumulation

4. Becoming an Everyday Asset Manager

Part 3: Being an Everyday Asset Manager

5. The Conduct of the Everyday Asset Manager

6. The Disciplining Effect of Asset Norms

Part 4: Variegated Financial Subjectivities in the UK

7. Coping with Constraints

8. Managing Contradictions and Constraints

9. Conclusion

Appendix A: Income Thresholds and Interviewee Profiles

Appendix B: Analysis and Approach to Data