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The Gains from Pension Reform

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Listed author(s):
  • Lindbeck, Assar

    ()

    (Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University)

  • Persson, Mats

    ()

    (Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University)

Abstract

We characterize pension systems along three dimensions: 1) actuarial vs. non-actuarial, 2) funded vs. pay-as-you-go, 3) defined-contribution vs. defined-benefit. Increasing the degree of actuarial fairness, by strengthening the linkage between contributions and benefits, reduces labor market distortions and may increase welfare in a Pareto-efficiency sense. Increasing the degree of funding implies mainly a redistribution of income among generations, although a partial shift to funding also provides better risk-return combinations for individuals. Shifting from defined-benefit to defined-contribution schemes (with fixed contribution rates) shifts the income risk from workers and taxpayers to pensioners.

(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

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Paper provided by Stockholm University, Institute for International Economic Studies in its series Seminar Papers with number 712.

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Length: 68 pages
Date of creation: 16 May 2002
Handle: RePEc:hhs:iiessp:0712
Contact details of provider: Postal:
Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden

Phone: +46-8-162000
Fax: +46-8-161443
Web page: http://www.iies.su.se/

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Keywords: TBA;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
  • H00 - Public Economics - - General - - - General
  • J00 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - General

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