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Collective versus Individual Pension Schemes: a Welfare-Theoretical Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Ed Westerhout

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Jan Bonenkamp
  • Peter Broer

Abstract

This paper explores the welfare effects of a number of collective pension contracts, distinguishing between the two welfare effects. We find that collective schemes can be either superior or inferior to individual schemes. Collective pension contracts allow for intergenerational risk sharing with the unborn. They therefore imply a higher level of social welfare than individual accounts. Collective pension contracts also imply a sub- optimal allocation of consumption across time periods and states of nature however. Hence, collective pension contracts also reduce social welfare. This paper explores the welfare effects of a number of collective pension contracts, distinguishing between the two welfare effects. We find that collective schemes can be either superior or inferior to individual schemes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ed Westerhout & Jan Bonenkamp & Peter Broer, 2014. "Collective versus Individual Pension Schemes: a Welfare-Theoretical Perspective," CPB Discussion Paper 287, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpb:discus:287
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Sinn, Hans-Werner, 2000. "Why a Funded Pension System is Useful and Why It is Not Useful," Munich Reprints in Economics 19859, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    6. Gollier, Christian, 2008. "Intergenerational risk-sharing and risk-taking of a pension fund," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(5-6), pages 1463-1485, June.
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    10. Antonio Rangel & Richard Zeckhauser, 2001. "Can Market and Voting Institutions Generate Optimal Intergenerational Risk Sharing?," NBER Chapters, in: Risk Aspects of Investment-Based Social Security Reform, pages 113-152, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Damiaan H. J. Chen & Sweder J. G. Wijnbergen, 2020. "Redistributive Consequences of Abolishing Uniform Contribution Policies in Pension Funds," De Economist, Springer, vol. 168(3), pages 305-341, September.
    2. Chen, Damiaan H.J. & Beetsma, Roel M.W.J. & Broeders, Dirk W.G.A. & Pelsser, Antoon A.J., 2017. "Sustainability of participation in collective pension schemes: An option pricing approach," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 182-196.
    3. Damiaan H. J. Chen & Sweder J. G. Wijnbergen, 2020. "Redistributive Consequences of Abolishing Uniform Contribution Policies in Pension Funds," De Economist, Springer, vol. 168(3), pages 305-341, September.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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