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Redistribution, Pension Systems and Capital Accumulation

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  • Christophe Hachon

    (Centre d’Economie de La Sorbonne, University Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne)

Abstract

In this paper we study the macroeconomic impact of a policy which changes the redistributive properties of an unfunded pension system. Using an overlapping generations model with a closed economy and heterogeneous agents, we show that a weaker link between contributions and benefits has an impact on the level of capital per capita if and only if there are inequalities in the length of life. Furthermore, this policy has positive implications for every economic agent if the system has a defined-benefit structure. The tax rate and inequalities decrease, whereas the wealth of each agent increases. However, with a defined-contribution pension system, this policy has a negative impact on every macroeconomic variable except on the wealth of the poorest agents.

Suggested Citation

  • Christophe Hachon, 2008. "Redistribution, Pension Systems and Capital Accumulation," Financial Theory and Practice, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 32(3), pages 339-368.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipf:finteo:v:32:y:2008:i:3:p:339-368
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    Cited by:

    1. Tim Krieger & Thomas Lange, 2012. "Education, Life Expectancy and Pension Reform," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 202(3), pages 31-55, September.
    2. EL-HOUJJAJI, Hind & ECHAOUI, Abdellah, 2020. "Assessing the financial sustainability of parametric pension system reforms: The case of Morocco," MPRA Paper 98912, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Yvonne Adema & Jan Bonenkamp & Lex Meijdam, 2016. "Flexible pension take-up in social security," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 23(2), pages 316-342, April.
    4. Christophe Hachon, 2008. "Do Redistributive Pension Systems Increase Inequalities and Welfare?," Working Papers halshs-00285040, HAL.
    5. Yvonne Adema & Jan Bonenkamp & Lex Meijdam, 2016. "Flexible pension take-up in social security," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 23(2), pages 316-342, April.

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