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The Cake-eating problem: Non-linear sharing rules

Author

Listed:
  • Eugenio Peluso

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

  • Alain Trannoy

    (EHESS, GREQAM-IDEP, Marseille)

Abstract

Consider the most simple problem in microeconomics, a maximization problem with an additive separable utility function over bundles of two goods which provide equal sat- isfaction to an agent. Although simple, this framework allows for a very wide range of applications, from the Arrow-Debreu contingent claims case to the risk-sharing problem, including standard portfolio choice, intertemporal individual consumption, demand for in- surance and tax evasion. We show that any Engel curve can be generated through such a simple program and the necessary and suffi cient restrictions on the demand system to be the outcome of such a maximisation process. Moreover, we identify three classes of utility function that generate non-linear sharing rules. The gap between the two expen- diture shares increases in absolute, average or marginal terms with the total amount of wealth, depending on whether DARA, DRRA and convex risk tolerance are considered. The extension of the different results to the case of more than two goods is provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Eugenio Peluso & Alain Trannoy, 2012. "The Cake-eating problem: Non-linear sharing rules," Working Papers 26/2012, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ver:wpaper:26/2012
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cake-eating problem; sharing rules; concavity; convex risk tolerance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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