A dynamic incentive-based argument for conditional transfers

Dilip Mookherjee, Debraj Ray

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    We compare the long-run effects of replacing unconditional transfers to the poor by transfers conditional on the education of children. Unlike Mirrlees' income taxation model, the distribution of skill evolves endogenously. Human capital accumulation follows the Freeman-Ljungqvist-Mookherjee-Ray OLG model with missing capital markets and dynastic bequest motives. Conditional transfers (funded by taxes on earnings of the skilled) are shown to induce higher long-run output per capita and (both utilitarian and Rawlsian) welfare, owing to their superior effect on skill accumulation incentives. The result is established both with two skill levels, and a continuum of occupations.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)S2-S16
    JournalEconomic Record
    Volume84
    Issue numberSUPPL.1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2008

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Economics and Econometrics

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A dynamic incentive-based argument for conditional transfers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this