Research Seminar MicroeconomicsCross-dynastic intergenerational altruismFrikk Nesje (Universität Heidelberg)
12 December 2019
The Microeconomics Research Seminar welcomes Frikk Nesje (Universität Heidelberg), who will present his work on
"Cross-dynastic intergenerational altruism".
Place: VMP 9, S28
Hour: 17:15 - 18:45
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Abstract
Decisions with long-term consequences require comparing utility derived from present consumption to future welfare. But can we infer socially relevant intertemporal preferences from saving behavior? I allow for a decomposition of the present generation's preference for the next generation into its dynastic and cross-dynastic counterparts, in the form of welfare weights on the next generation in the own dynasty and other dynasties. Welfare weights on other dynasties can be motivated by a concern for sustainability, or if descendants may move or marry outside the dynasty. With such cross-dynastic intergenerational altruism, savings for one's own descendants benefit present members of other dynasties, giving rise to preference externalities. I find that socially relevant intertemporal preferences may not be inferred from saving behavior if there is cross-dynastic intergenerational altruism. I also show that the external effect of present saving decreases over time. This means that intertemporal preferences inferred from saving behavior are time-inconsistent, unless cross-dynastic intergenerational altruism is accounted for.