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Social security, growth, and welfare in overlapping generations economies with or without annuities

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  • Bruce, Neil
  • Turnovsky, Stephen J.

Abstract

We examine the impact of a stylized pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) Social Security program in an economy of overlapping generations with equilibrium growth. We adopt realistic mortality and other demographic assumptions and allow for the presence or absence of life annuities. In all cases steady-state economies with PAYGO Social Security programs grow more slowly than those without. Also, we find that lifetime expected utilities are lower for existing and future households in steady-state economies with Social Security. We also report the effect of Social Security on the age profile of consumption and explore the effects of longer life expectancy, compensating Social Security program changes, and capital subsidies.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce, Neil & Turnovsky, Stephen J., 2013. "Social security, growth, and welfare in overlapping generations economies with or without annuities," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 12-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:101:y:2013:i:c:p:12-24
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2013.02.007
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Security; Growth; Demography;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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