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Age-specific rise of income and consumption inequality

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  • Zhu, Guozhong

Abstract

Based on Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) and Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX), the author presents evidence that the rise of income/consumption inequality over the past decades is more significant among younger households. This is consistent with the theory that the secular rise of inequality is due to increasing heterogeneity in earning ability. The author further shows that such age-specificity implies significant changes to the previously documented life-cycle profiles of inequality which are the basis of many important economic inferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Guozhong, 2013. "Age-specific rise of income and consumption inequality," Economics Discussion Papers 2013-21, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwedp:201321
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    6. Mark Huggett & Gustavo Ventura & Amir Yaron, 2011. "Sources of Lifetime Inequality," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 101(7), pages 2923-2954, December.
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    8. Jonathan Heathcote & Kjetil Storesletten & Giovanni L. Violante, 2005. "Two Views of Inequality Over the Life Cycle," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 3(2-3), pages 765-775, 04/05.
    9. Dirk Krueger & Fabrizio Perri, 2006. "Does Income Inequality Lead to Consumption Inequality? Evidence and Theory -super-1," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 73(1), pages 163-193.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    age-specific inequality; consumption inequality; income inequality; life-cycle profile;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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