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Social security reform and welfare in a two sector model

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  • Partha Sen

    (Delhi School of Economics
    CESifo)

Abstract

A reform of a pay-as-you-go social security in a one sector model makes the pensioners worse off and the working generations better off in the period of the reform (in a dynamically efficient economy without altruism). The observed reluctance across all age groups to support such reforms is usually explained by the insurance properties of these schemes. I propose an alternative in a two sector setting. Since the old consume labor-intensive goods like health-care, etc., the reform causes labor demand to fall and reduces wages. This effect could dominate the lower social security payments for the young. Thus both the young and old oppose the reform (that makes the unborn generations better off–the new steady welfare, with a higher capital stock, is higher).

Suggested Citation

  • Partha Sen, 2023. "Social security reform and welfare in a two sector model," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 74(2), pages 233-249, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:74:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s42973-021-00105-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s42973-021-00105-8
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social security reform; Two sector models; Labor market;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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