The future of social securityGonzalez-Eiras, Martin and Dirk Niepelt () Journal of Monetary Economics, 2008, vol. 55, issue 2, pages 197-218 Abstract: We analyze the effect of the projected demographic transition on the political support for social security, and equilibrium outcomes. Embedding a probabilistic-voting setup of electoral competition in the standard OLG model with capital accumulation, we find that intergenerational transfers arise in the absence of altruism, commitment, or trigger strategies. Closed-form solutions predict population ageing to lead to higher social security tax rates, a rising share of pensions in GDP, but eventually lower social security benefits per retiree. The response of equilibrium tax rates to demographic shocks reduces old-age consumption risk. Calibrated to match features of the U.S. economy, the model suggests that, in response to the projected demographic transition, social security tax rates will gradually increase to 16%. Other policies that distort labor supply will become less important; labor supply therefore will rise, in contrast with frequently voiced fears. Downloads: (external link) Related works: Access Statistics for this article Journal of Monetary Economics is edited by R. G. King and C. I. Plosser More articles in Journal of Monetary Economics from Elsevier |
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