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Present-Biased Individuals, Optimal Paternalism, and Transfers in Kind

Author

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  • Jes Winther Hansen

    (Department of Economics, University of Denmark)

Abstract

Present-biased preferences cause distortions in consumption that can motivate the use of paternalistic in-kind transfers. Empirically, goods are consumed to different degrees when consumption outlay changes. Economists distinguish between necessary goods and luxury goods. A present-biased individual has an intertemporal distortion of consumption toward the present, which in turn distorts present consumption toward luxury goods. In-kind transfers of necessary goods, such as food stamps, can alleviate the intertemporal distortion and make present-biased transfer recipients better off. Further, transfers in kind are asymmetrical in the sense that they can target present-biased recipients without affecting fully rational recipients.

Suggested Citation

  • Jes Winther Hansen, 2005. "Present-Biased Individuals, Optimal Paternalism, and Transfers in Kind," EPRU Working Paper Series 05-11, Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU), University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:epruwp:05-11
    as

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    File URL: http://web.econ.ku.dk/epru/files/wp/wp-05-11.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    in-kind transfers; time preference;

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H42 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Private Goods
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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