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Long-Term Consequences of Growing up in a Recession on Risk Preferences

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  • Hitoshi Shigeoka

Abstract

Risk preferences play a fundamental role in individuals’ economic decision-making. We examine whether the historical macroeconomic environment shapes individuals’ willingness to take risks. Using nationally representative samples from Japan and exploiting regional variation in economic conditions, we find that men who experienced severe economic conditions in youth are more risk averse in adulthood and the effect is long-lasting. In addition, those men are less likely to be self-employed and they have longer tenure, which are consistent with elevated risk aversion. This study highlights the importance of experience at a critical period of life on the formation of risk preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Hitoshi Shigeoka, 2019. "Long-Term Consequences of Growing up in a Recession on Risk Preferences," NBER Working Papers 26352, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:26352
    Note: AG LS PE POL
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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