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Aggregate implications of defined benefit and defined contribution systems

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  • Gomes, Francisco
  • Michaelides, Alexander

Abstract

We use a general equilibrium life-cycle model with incomplete markets and heterogeneous agents to evaluate the macroeconomic and welfare implications of Defined Benefit (DB) versus Defined Contribution (DC) systems, and to investigate the effects of incremental reform within a particular system. Extensive calibrations illustrate the trade-off between efficiency and redistribution that a tax-financed, DB social security system generates. We find that social welfare is maximized for small but positive levels of DB because of the redistributive value associated with these systems. On the other hand, steady-state within- DC system comparisons reveal that a zero DC tax rate maximizes social welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Gomes, Francisco & Michaelides, Alexander, 2003. "Aggregate implications of defined benefit and defined contribution systems," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 24868, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:24868
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    1. Henning Bohn, 2001. "Social Security and Demographic Uncertainty: The Risk-Sharing Properties of Alternative Policies," NBER Chapters, in: Risk Aspects of Investment-Based Social Security Reform, pages 203-246, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Määttänen, Niku & Poutvaara, Panu, 2006. "Should Old-age Benefits Be Earnings-tested," Discussion Papers 1062, The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy.
    2. Cocco, Joao F. & Lopes, Paula, 2004. "Defined benefit or defined contribution?: An empirical study of pension choices," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 24751, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    general equilibrium; liquidity constraints; heterogeneous agents; undiversifiable labor income; defined benefit systems; defined contribution systems;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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