How Inheritances Relate to Wealth Distribution? Theoretical Reasoning and Empirical Evidence on the Basis of LWS Data

Peter Mooslechner, Martin Schürz and Pirmin Fessler

No 6, LWS Working papers from LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study the analytical scope for cross-country comparisons of inheritances based on Luxembourg Wealth Study (LWS) data. In the first part of the paper, we review in a selective way the existing literature on inheritances and bequests. In the second part, we focus on cross country data issues and survey designs. In the third part, we show stylized results on inheritances in different countries, based on LWS data. These data reveal a rather similar picture: beneficiaries tend to have better education, higher income and own more wealth. In the last part of the paper, conclusions for data improvements in the future will be drawn.

Keywords: inheritances; bequests; inter vivos gifts; wealth; inequality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C81 D10 D31 E24 H24 J62 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 28 pages
Date: 2008-06
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:lis:lwswps:6

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