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Life Course Perspective on Economic Shocks and Income Inequality Through Age‐Period‐Cohort Analysis: Evidence From Finland

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  • Esa Karonen
  • Mikko Niemelä

Abstract

Utilizing age‐period‐cohort analysis, this paper examines the development of income distribution across periodic economic fluctuations in relation to cohorts and age groups. The empirical analysis is based on the Finnish Income Distribution Statistics and Household Expenditure Surveys covering the period of 1966–2015. The findings suggest that the period and cohort effects can be identified as the main effects on relative income, while the age effects have no meaningful impact when the control variables are taken into account. This result reveals a connection between the effects of economic shocks and cohort placement on labor market entry. Additionally, absolute income analysis suggests that economic shocks create stagnation points in income development, which are especially detrimental to cohorts who are transitioning into labor markets. Additionally, middle‐income attainment has not changed due to periodic shocks but rather is related to inter‐cohort inequalities and relative income differences, where the baby boomer generation is a clear winner.

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  • Esa Karonen & Mikko Niemelä, 2020. "Life Course Perspective on Economic Shocks and Income Inequality Through Age‐Period‐Cohort Analysis: Evidence From Finland," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 66(2), pages 287-310, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:revinw:v:66:y:2020:i:2:p:287-310
    DOI: 10.1111/roiw.12409
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    2. Marta Escalonilla & Begoña Cueto & María José Pérez-Villadóniga, 2022. "Is the Millennial Generation Left Behind? Inter-Cohort Labour Income Inequality in a Context of Economic Shock," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 164(1), pages 285-321, November.
    3. Esperanza Vera-Toscano & Elena C. Meroni, 2021. "An age–period–cohort approach to disentangling generational differences in family values and religious beliefs: Understanding the modern Australian family today," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 45(20), pages 653-692.
    4. Esa Karonen & Mikko Niemelä, 2022. "Necessity-Rich, Leisure-Poor: The Long-Term Relationship Between Income Cohorts and Consumption Through Age-Period-Cohort Analysis," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 43(3), pages 599-620, September.

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