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Efficient investment in children

Author

Listed:
  • S. Rao Aiyagari
  • Jeremy Greenwood
  • Ananth Seshadri

Abstract

If children are society?s most precious resource, as many would argue, how should we invest in them? To gain insight into this question, the authors develop a dynamic, general-equilibrium model in which children differ by ability. Parents invest time and money in their offspring, depending on their altruism, to help them grow into more productive adults. The authors characterize the efficient allocation, then compare it with the outcome that arises when financial markets are incomplete. They also examine the situation where childcare markets are lacking and analyze the consequences of impure altruism.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Rao Aiyagari & Jeremy Greenwood & Ananth Seshadri, 2001. "Efficient investment in children," Working Papers (Old Series) 0105, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcwp:0105
    DOI: 10.26509/frbc-wp-200105
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D58 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Computable and Other Applied General Equilibrium Models
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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