Arguments for Raising Social Security Retirement Age to 70
School
Nairobi Institute Of Business Studies**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
BUSINESS 2456
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
5
Uploaded by JusticeBoarPerson1138
Debate Outline:Outline: Pro-Argument for Raising the Social Security Retirement Age to 70Argument 1 * Wealth disparity (advantage) * Discrimination toward the impoverished Argument 2 * Despite an increase in high IQ jobs there are still blue collar jobs that are in need Arghuement3 * Disproportionately affects the poor because the 20 percent would effect the poor more Claim: The minimum age of individuals receiving full Social Security benefits should be increased to 70 from 68. I. Introduction* A. Brief overview of Social Security's purpose (safety net for retirees, disabled, and survivors)* B. Current retirement age and the proposal to raise it to 70* C. Thesis: Raising the retirement age to 70 is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security, reflect increased life expectancy, and encourage a more active labor force in later years.* Source: DeWitt, Larry. “Social Security Administration.” Social Security Administration Research, Statistics, and Policy Analysis, 1 Aug. 2010, www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v70n3/v70n3p1.html. III. Financial Sustainability of Social Security* A. Demographic challenges: an aging population and declining worker-to-beneficiary ratio* B. Raising the retirement age helps reduce financial pressure on the system by reducing the number of years people collect benefits
* C. Without changes, Social Security faces insolvency by mid-century, leading to potential benefit cuts* D. Source: Springstead, Glenn R. “Social Security Administration.” Social Security Administration Research, Statistics, and Policy Analysis, 1 Jan. 2011, www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/policybriefs/pb2011-01.html. II. Increased Life Expectancy and Health* A. Americans are living longer and healthier lives than when Social Security was first established* B. Modern medicine and improved workplace conditions allow many to work well into their late 60s or early 70s* C. Raising the retirement age reflects this shift and aligns with longer career spans* D. Source:Favreault, Melissa M., and Richard W. Johnson. “Raising Social Security’s Retirement Age.”Urban Institute, July 2010, www.urban.org/research/publication/raising-social-securitys-retirement-age.pdf. IV. Encouraging Extended Workforce Participation* A. Many seniors are capable of working longer due to better health and job flexibility* B. Continuing to work allows individuals to accumulate more savings, defer benefits, and increase their retirement income* C. Raising the age encourages people to stay in the workforce, contributing more to the economy and Social Security* D. Source 3: Greszler, Rachel. “Should the Social Security Retirement Age Be Raised? Yes.” The Heritage Foundation, 17 June 2024, www.heritage.org/social-security/commentary/should-the-social-security-retirement-age-be-raised-yes. VI. Conclusion* A. Restate the necessity of raising the retirement age to ensure the sustainability of Social Security
* B. Highlight the benefits of aligning with modern life expectancy trends and easing financial pressures* C. Emphasize that fair adjustments can address equity concerns for workers in different industries, making this a balanced and essential reformCustomized OutlineA. Proponents’ Arguments (500 words)1.Ensuring financial sustainabilityoThe aging population and a declining worker-to-beneficiary ratio put pressure on the Social Security system.oIncreasing the retirement age reduces years of benefit collection, ensuring longevity of funds.oEvidence: Studies predicting insolvency by mid-century without reform (Springstead, 2011).2.Reflecting modern life expectancyoAmericans live longer and healthier lives than when Social Security was established.oModern medical advancements enable longer career spans (Favreault & Johnson, 2010).3.Encouraging extended workforce participationoHelps individuals build larger retirement savings.oContributions to the economy and Social Security funds increase.oEvidence: Analysis on extended work trends among seniors (Greszler, 2024).oPro-Argument for Raising the Social Security Retirement Age to 701.Argument 1: * Wealth disparity (advantage): * Discrimination toward the impoverished Argument 2 * Despite an increase in high IQ jobs there are still blue collar jobs that are in need Arghuement3 * Disproportionately affects the poor because the 20 percent would effect the poor more Claim: The minimum age of individuals receiving full Social Security benefits should be increased to 70 from 68.
B. Opponents’ Arguments (500 words)1.Equity concerns for low-income workersoDisproportionate impact on workers in physically demanding or low-income jobs.oWealthier individuals live longer, benefiting more from delayed retirement.Source: “United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/. 2.Health disparitiesoNot all workers age equally; blue-collar workers may face earlier health decline.oEvidence from studies highlighting occupational health disparities.Source: “National Institute on Aging (NIA).” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 May 2023, www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-aging-nia.3.Political and public resistanceoRaising the age is unpopular among voters.oResistance from advocacy groups for seniors and labor unions.Source: “The Toll of Neglect.” AFL, 2024, aflcio.org/. III. Feasibility Analysis (400 words)A. Political obstaclesoPublic opinion polls show resistance to raising the retirement age.oParty politics: Divide between fiscal conservatives and progressive factions.B. Institutional barriersoCongressional gridlock and challenges in passing reforms.C. Social considerationsoOpposition from groups advocating for the working poor and manual laborers.D. Opportunities for negotiationoCompromise measures, such as exempting certain occupations or offering partial benefits earlier.IV. Evaluation (500 words)A. Strengths of the proposaloFinancial sustainability ensures benefit continuity for future generations.
oAligns policy with demographic realities and economic trends.B. Weaknesses of the proposaloEquity concerns may exacerbate income inequality.oPolitically contentious with low likelihood of immediate adoption.C. Balanced assessmentoWhile the policy is economically sound, equity adjustments (e.g., occupationalexemptions or early partial benefits) are needed.V. Evidence and Sources (300 words)A. Quality of evidence used in the debateoEvaluation of academic and peer-reviewed sources (DeWitt, Favreault & Johnson).oLimitations of journalistic interpretations (e.g., bias, lack of data rigor).B. Recommendations for robust researchoImportance of using primary studies and government reports.oEncouraging use of library databases for credible academic materials.VI. Conclusion (300 words)A. Restate thesisoRaising the Social Security retirement age is critical for sustainability and reflects demographic changes.B. Highlight balanced reformsoAcknowledge need for equity considerations to address disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.C. Call to actionoUrge policymakers to prioritize evidence-based and equitable solutions to ensure Social Security’s long-term viability.