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Secular Changes in Wealth Inequality and Inheritance

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Author Info
Laitner, John
Abstract

Data suggest that the distribution of wealth among households in the USA and UK has become more equal over the last century, though, at least for the USA, the pattern may have reversed recently. This paper shows that a model in which all households save for life-cycle reasons and some for dynastic purposes as well offers a possible or partial explanation: the model predicts rising cross-sectional equality of wealth when longevity increases. There may also be implications about very recent changes: expansion of social security programmes and government deficits can lead toward more wealth inequality. Slower growth may do the same.

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Publisher Info
Article provided by Royal Economic Society in its journal The Economic Journal.

Volume (Year): 111 (2001)
Issue (Month): 474 (October)
Pages: 691-721
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Handle: RePEc:ecj:econjl:v:111:y:2001:i:474:p:691-721

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  1. John Laitner & Daniel Silverman, 2006. "Consumption, Retirement, and Social Security: Evaluating the Efficiency of Reform with a Life-Cycle Model," Working Papers wp142, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
  2. John Laitner & Dan Silverman, 2005. "Estimating Life—Cycle Parameters from Consumption Behavior at Retirement”," Working Papers wp099, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
  3. Graziella Bertocchi, 2007. "The Comparative Evolution of Bequest Taxation in Historical Perspective," Center for Economic Research (RECent) 005, University of Modena and Reggio E., Dept. of Economics. [Downloadable!]
  4. John Laitner, 2002. "Transition Paths and Social Security Reform," Working Papers wp025, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
  5. John Laitner, 2003. "Labor Supply Responses to Social Security," Working Papers wp050, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
  6. Doepke, Matthias & Schneider, Martin, 2005. "Real Effects of Inflation Through the Redistribution of Nominal Wealth," CEPR Discussion Papers 5167, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  7. John Laitner, 2001. "Wealth Accumulation in the U.S.: Do Inheritances and Bequests Play a Significant Role?," Working Papers wp019, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
  8. Matthias Doepke & Martin Schneider, 2006. "Inflation as a Redistribution Shock: Effects on Aggregates and Welfare," NBER Working Papers 12319, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  9. Graziella Bertocchi, 2007. "The Vanishing Bequest Tax: The Comparative Evolution of Bequest Taxation in Historical Perspective," IZA Discussion Papers 2578, Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA). [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
  10. Marco Cagetti & Mariacristina De Nardi, 2006. "Wealth Inequality: Data and Models," NBER Working Papers 12550, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  11. John Laitner & Chris House & Dmitri Stolyarov, 2005. "Valuing Lost Home Production for Dual-Earner Couples," Working Papers wp097, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
  12. Davide Fiaschi - Matteo Marsili, 2009. "Distribution of Wealth and Incomplete Markets: Theory and Empirical Evidence," Discussion Papers 2009/83, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche (DSE), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. [Downloadable!]
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