인구와사회협동연구소

Bon Kim, Cheong-Seok Kim Dyadic Decision-Making Process of Middle-Aged Couples in Korea: The Case of Retirement Migration JOURNAL OF ASIAN SOCIOLOGY Volume 53 | Number 2 | June 2024, 175-194 DOI 10.21588/dns.2024.53.2.004

https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART003104460

The decision-making process of couples can be influenced by the decision context and the life stage of each partner. Midlife couples, in particular, are in a transitional phase where their decisions may have a significant impact on their later life. This study explores Korean middle-aged adults’ decision-making on retirement relocation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals (four dyads) in their 50s and early 60s. A total of 12 individual and joint interviews were conducted to understand their lived experiences. Results showed that dyadic processes, characterized by withholding, cooperative, and collaborative patterns, contributed to distinct decision-making and follow-up experiences. Further, the dyadic consensus in shifting marital power and spousal interactions influenced couples’ adaptation to marital relationships after relocation. This research extends knowledge on the late midlife decision-making between spouses on major life transitions. Findings provide insights into the potential resources and constraints of dyadic decision-making, which may influence couples’ long-term experiences.