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The Age-Time-Cohort Problem and the Identification of Structural Parameters in Life-Cycle Models

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Abstract

A standard approach to estimating structural parameters in life-cycle models imposes sufficient assumptions on the data to identify the ?age profile\" of outcomes, then chooses model parameters so that the model's age profile matches this empirical age profile. I show that this approach is both incorrect and unnecessary: incorrect, because it generally produces inconsistent estimators of the structural parameters, and unnecessary, because consistent estimators can be obtained under weaker assumptions. I derive an estimation method that avoids the problems of the standard approach. I illustrate the method?s benefits analytically in a simple model of consumption inequality and numerically by reestimating the classic life-cycle consumption model of Gourinchas and Parker (2002).

Suggested Citation

  • Sam Schulhofer-Wohl, 2017. "The Age-Time-Cohort Problem and the Identification of Structural Parameters in Life-Cycle Models," Working Paper Series WP-2017-18, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedhwp:wp-2017-18
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    1. The age-time-cohort problem and the identification of structural parameters in life-cylce models
      by Christian Zimmermann in NEP-DGE blog on 2013-07-22 08:53:16

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Age-time-cohort identification problem; Life-cycle models;

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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