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A Dynamic Incentive‐Based Argument for Conditional Transfers

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  • DILIP MOOKHERJEE
  • DEBRAJ RAY

Abstract

We compare the long‐run effects of replacing unconditional transfers to the poor by transfers conditional on the education of children. Unlike Mirrlees’ income taxation model, the distribution of skill evolves endogenously. Human capital accumulation follows the Freeman–Ljungqvist–Mookherjee–Ray OLG model with missing capital markets and dynastic bequest motives. Conditional transfers (funded by taxes on earnings of the skilled) are shown to induce higher long‐run output per capita and (both utilitarian and Rawlsian) welfare, owing to their superior effect on skill accumulation incentives. The result is established both with two skill levels, and a continuum of occupations.

Suggested Citation

  • Dilip Mookherjee & Debraj Ray, 2008. "A Dynamic Incentive‐Based Argument for Conditional Transfers," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 84(s1), pages 2-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecorec:v:84:y:2008:i:s1:p:s2-s16
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4932.2008.00479.x
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    2. Joshi, Shareen & Sivaram, Anusuya, 2014. "Does it Pay to Deliver? An Evaluation of India’s Safe Motherhood Program," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 434-447.
    3. Dilip Mookherjee & Silvia Prina & Debraj Ray, 2010. "A Theory Of Endogenous Fertility With Occupational Choice," Boston University - Department of Economics - Working Papers Series WP2010-036, Boston University - Department of Economics.
    4. Napel, Stefan, 2014. "A Pareto Efficiency Rationale for the Welfare State," VfS Annual Conference 2014 (Hamburg): Evidence-based Economic Policy 100496, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    5. Caroline Flammer, 2011. "The Role Of Family Ties For The Optimal Design Of Human Capital Contracts," International Journal of Management and Marketing Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 4(2), pages 1-22.
    6. Mookherjee, Dilip & Napel, Stefan, 2021. "Welfare rationales for conditionality of cash transfers," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).

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