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Bequest Motives: a Comparison of Sweden and the United States

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  • Laitner, J.
  • Ohlsson, H.

Abstract

This paper reviews four well-known theoretical models of private bequest behavior, notes their differing implications for public policy, and discusses a way of empirically discriminating among them. Then it implements the test with micro data from Sweden (LLS) and the U.S. (PSID). The so-called altruistic (or dynastic) model, which, among the four models, has perhaos the most wide-ranging implications for policy, receives come, though limited, support in the LLS, but not the PSID.

Suggested Citation

  • Laitner, J. & Ohlsson, H., 1998. "Bequest Motives: a Comparison of Sweden and the United States," Papers 1998:16, Uppsala - Working Paper Series.
    • Handle: RePEc:fth:uppaal:1998:16
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    INHERITANCE ; ALTRUISM: LIFE CYCLE MODELS;

    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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