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Should the Neoclassical growth model include the saving flow in the Utility function?

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  • Atef Khelifi

    (CLERSÉ - Centre Lillois d’Études et de Recherches Sociologiques et Économiques - UMR 8019 - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

By assuming that the individual derives utility from consumption only, the resulting optimal decision to save in the Ramsey model depends on the rate of return, given a certain time preference. If therefore the production function is such that this rate of return remains relatively low, the individual reacts unconsciously by refusing to save despite the capital depreciates and the household grows. We argue that it is conceptually necessary in that framework to assume a direct preference for saving (or for thriftiness) in the utility function, not only to make the individual behave as a real human being who cares about the survival of the household, but also to account reasonably for any other motives to save or accumulate than the rate of return. We show it generalizes the model in a way to recover static properties of the exogenous Solow version and to extend results of capitalist spirit models following Zou (1994).

Suggested Citation

  • Atef Khelifi, 2016. "Should the Neoclassical growth model include the saving flow in the Utility function?," Post-Print hal-01406690, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01406690
    DOI: 10.5539/ijef.v8n12p224
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01406690
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E0 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General
    • E00 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - General
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models

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