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Consumption externalities, elastic labor supply and wealth distribution

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  • Sanou, Issa

Abstract

This study employs a neoclassical growth model to investigate the impact of consumption externalities on the distribution of wealth. It also jointly accounts for heterogeneity in the degree of consumption externalities, heterogeneity in the initial wealth endowments, and endogenous labor supply. First, we demonstrate that catching-up occurs when an initially poorer household works more than an initially wealthier one, after which the additional income acquired through hard work offsets the initial wealth difference. Second, a reduction in wealth inequality is only consistent and systematic if an initially wealthier household works relatively less than the social average. When this condition is not met, a reduction in wealth inequality only occurs if the initial wealth is highly and unevenly distributed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanou, Issa, 2024. "Consumption externalities, elastic labor supply and wealth distribution," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:137:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324001111
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106755
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumption externalities; Heterogeneous conformism; Status-seeking; Endogenous labor supply; Wealth inequality; Catching-up;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E13 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Neoclassical
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models

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