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Heterogeneity and wage inequalities over the life cycle

Author

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  • Thierry Magnac

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Sébastien Roux

    (CREST - Centre de Recherche en Économie et Statistique - ENSAI - Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse de l'Information [Bruz] - X - École polytechnique - ENSAE Paris - École Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Économique - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Using data on French male wage workers observed over 30 years, we estimate by random and fixed effect methods a wage equation with pervasive heterogeneity. Individual wage profiles are derived from a human capital investment model and described by a level, a slope and a curvature. Among others, our empirical application delivers original results on issues like the Mincer dip, and the time-varying correlations between wage growth and levels, or between initial wages and growth. Static and long-run inequality indices can easily be compared and decomposed into their multidimensional components.

Suggested Citation

  • Thierry Magnac & Sébastien Roux, 2021. "Heterogeneity and wage inequalities over the life cycle," Post-Print hal-04532017, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04532017
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2021.103715
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04532017
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human capital investment; Inequality; Wage dynamics; Post-schooling; Wage growth; Random and fixed effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple 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
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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