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Social Security Systems, Human Capital, and Growth in a Small Open Economy

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  • Kaganovich, Michael
  • Meier, Volker

Abstract

We consider a small open economy in which the level of public education funding is determined by popular vote. We show that growth can be enhanced by the introduction of pay-as-you-go pensions even if the growth rate of aggregate wages falls short of the interest rate. The reason is that the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system allows future retirees to partially internalize positive externalities of public education due to the positive effect of higher future labor productivity on their pension benefits. The majority support for education funding will be especially strong when the PAYG benefit formula is flat, i.e., progressively redistributive. If a flat benefit PAYG pension system is in place then the economy will achieve the highest growth rate relative to the alternative pension system designs. While such PAYG pension system may be opposed by the majority of working individuals due to inferior returns to their pension contributions relative to a funded scheme, it is likely to be politically sustained by a coalition of older individuals and lower income workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaganovich, Michael & Meier, Volker, 2012. "Social Security Systems, Human Capital, and Growth in a Small Open Economy," Munich Reprints in Economics 19536, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:lmu:muenar:19536
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    JEL classification:

    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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