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Franco Modigliani and the life-cycle theory of consumption

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  • Angus Deaton

    (Princeton University, Research Program in Development Studies and Center for Health and Wellbeing, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton (USA))

Abstract

This paper reviews and discusses the contribution by Franco Modigliani to macroeconomic model building for economist forecasting and policy making. As Paul Samuelson observed, Modigliani's theoretical work was fundamental in the development of the basic framework within which the "post-Keynesian eclecticism" of the later twentieth century developed. In the move from theory to practice two aspects of Modigliani's work are considered: 1) the systemic approach that focuses on the relationship between the short and the long term, 2) the special reference to the mechanism of monetary policy transmission in the use of the macroeconomic model for economic stabilisation policy. What is left today of this contribution is finally briefly discussed, also with reference to some recent proposals on macroeconomic model building.

Suggested Citation

  • Angus Deaton, 2005. "Franco Modigliani and the life-cycle theory of consumption," Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 58(233-234), pages 91-107.
    • Handle: RePEc:psl:bnlqrr:2005:28
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumption; Life Cycle; Macroeconomics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B21 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Microeconomics
    • B22 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Macroeconomics
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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