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Perceptions, biases, and inequality

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  • Dasgupta, Dyotona
  • Saha, Anuradha

Abstract

This paper introduces perceived self-efficacy beliefs in an overlapping generations model and studies the effects of behavioral anomalies on human capital investments and aggregate inequality. These beliefs are not inherent but based on a person’s socio-economic background. Ex ante children are homogeneous, but parents are biased about the returns to their children’s education. Based on parental education and job status, parents may be over or under confident but otherwise, they are rational. We witness spillover effects that shift the incentives to educate children from the pessimistic parents to unbiased parents. Biases may induce or hinder investment. Over investment by one parent type may even crowd-out investments of other parent types. We find interesting effects of biases on the aggregate economy when parental warm glow is not low.

Suggested Citation

  • Dasgupta, Dyotona & Saha, Anuradha, 2022. "Perceptions, biases, and inequality," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 198-210.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:202:y:2022:i:c:p:198-210
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.08.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Arup Mitra & Chandan Sharma, 2020. "Employment and TFP Impact of Technologies in the Developing World: Domestic versus Imported Expertise," IEG Working Papers 410, Institute of Economic Growth.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Behavioral inequality; Human capital investment; Behavioral bias; Intergenerational mobility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment

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