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Beggar-thy-parents? A Lifecycle Model of Intergenerational Altruism

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  • Sang-Wook Stanley Cho

    (School of Economics, The University of New South Wales)

Abstract

This paper constructs a quantitative general equilibrium model with both lifecycle and dynastic features along with uninsurable labor income to assess differences in wealth and intergenerational transfers across countries. The model features both 'pure' and 'impure' forms of altruism and investigates the role of borrowing constraints in accounting for the timing of intergenerational transfers between intervivos transfers and bequests. Under a perfect capital market, the timing of parental transfers is irrelevant. However, under borrowing constraints, parental transfer will be geared towards helping out borrowing-constrained children. The model is calibrated to match the US and Korean economy. Numerical experiments show that tightening borrowing constraints leads to more intervivos transfers geared towards younger children and lower level of bequest. Borrowing constraints also play a role in accounting for the observed differences in the wealth inequality between the two economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Sang-Wook Stanley Cho, 2008. "Beggar-thy-parents? A Lifecycle Model of Intergenerational Altruism," Discussion Papers 2008-15, School of Economics, The University of New South Wales.
    • Handle: RePEc:swe:wpaper:2008-15
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    File URL: http://wwwdocs.fce.unsw.edu.au/economics/Research/WorkingPapers/2008_15.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Edwin S. Wong, 2013. "Gender preference and transfers from parents to children: an inter-regional comparison," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1), pages 61-80, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    intervivos transfer; wealth accumulation; incomplete markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D52 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Incomplete Markets
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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