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A Rational Inattention Unemployment Trap

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  • Ellison, Martin
  • Macaulay, Alistair

Abstract

We show that introducing rational inattention into a model with uninsurable unemployment risk can generate multiple steady states, when the same model with full information has a unique steady state. The model features heterogeneity and persistence in household labour market expectations, consistent with survey evidence. In a heterogeneous agent New Keynesian model, we find that rational inattention to the future hiring rate generates a high employment steady state with moderate inflation, and an unemployment trap with very low (but positive) inflation and a low job hiring rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellison, Martin & Macaulay, Alistair, 2019. "A Rational Inattention Unemployment Trap," CEPR Discussion Papers 13761, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13761
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    3. Bartosz Maćkowiak & Mirko Wiederholt, 2021. "Rational Inattention and the Business Cycle Effects of Productivity and News Shocks," SciencePo Working papers Main hal-03878704, HAL.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multiple equilibria; Rational inattention; Unemployment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E10 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - General
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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