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Macroeconomic analysis of the child benefit: Fertility, demographic structure, and welfare

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  • Nakakuni, Kanato

Abstract

This paper examines the macroeconomic and welfare effects of the child benefit, using a general equilibrium overlapping generations model incorporating fertility choices. The model is calibrated to Japan and produces the benefit elasticity of fertility in line with the empirical estimates. Expanding the per-child payment leads to welfare gains for future generations in the long-run equilibrium. Notably, the long-run gains extend to individuals who are childless throughout their lives and do not receive child benefits. Higher fertility rates facilitated by the expansion and the resulting demographic change account for the results via several channels. However, reaching the new equilibrium takes approximately 100 years as the demographic change necessitates sufficient transition periods. The accrual of welfare gains is thus gradual and takes a long time.

Suggested Citation

  • Nakakuni, Kanato, 2024. "Macroeconomic analysis of the child benefit: Fertility, demographic structure, and welfare," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jjieco:v:73:y:2024:i:c:s0889158324000212
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jjie.2024.101325
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child benefit; Overlapping generations; Fertility; Welfare;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E60 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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