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The impact of Social Security and other factors on the distribution of wealth
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The impact of Social Security and other factors on the distribution of wealth

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  • Jagadeesh Gokhale
  • Laurence J. Kotlikoff

Abstract

Auerbach et al. (1995), document the dramatic postwar increase in the annuitization of the resources of America?s elderly. Gokhale et al. (1996) suggest that greater annuitization may explain the significant postwar rise in the consumption propensity of the elderly out of remaining lifetime resources. Gokhale et al. (2000) consider the related point that increased annuitization will reduce bequests, especially for lower and middle-income households, whose entire earnings are taxed under Social Security. By differentially disenfranchising the children of the poor from receipt of inheritances, Social Security may materially alter the distribution of wealth. This paper uses data from the PSID to further analyze how Social Security and other factors affect wealth inequality.

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  • Jagadeesh Gokhale & Laurence J. Kotlikoff, 1999. "The impact of Social Security and other factors on the distribution of wealth," Working Papers (Old Series) 9913, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcwp:9913
    DOI: 10.26509/frbc-wp-199913
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    4. Jeffrey R. Brown & Courtney C. Coile & Scott J. Weisbenner, 2010. "The Effect of Inheritance Receipt on Retirement," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 92(2), pages 425-434, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social security; Wealth;

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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