An Analysis of Fiscal Policy Under Operative and Inoperative Bequest Motives

Andrew Abel

No 2298, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper presents a general equilibrium model with logarithmic preferences and technology. If the non-negativity constraint on bequests is strictly binding, then the bequest motive is characterized as inoperative. After determining the conditions for operative and inoperative bequest motives, the paper examines the effect of pay- as- you-go social security on the stochastic evolution of the capital stock. If the non-negativity constraint on bequests is strictly binding, then an increase in social security reduces the unconditional long- run expected capital stock. If the social security taxes and benefits are large enough, then the non-negativity constraint ceases to bind, and further increases in social security have no effect. This paper extends previous analyses by examining bequest behavior outside of the steady state and by allowing a non-degenerate cross-sectional distribution in the holding of capital.

Date: 1987-06
Note: EFG
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Published as Abel, Andrew B. "Operative Gift And Bequest Motives," American Economic Review, 1987, v77(5), 1037-1047.
Published as Helpman, Elhanan, Assaf Razin, and Efraim Sadka (eds.) Economic Effects of the Government Budget. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1988.

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