Full Citation
Title: The Anatomy of the Aggregate Labor Supply Elasticity
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2012
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Abstract: We show that the aggregate Frisch elasticity of labor supply can greatly exceed the corresponding individual-level parameter, and we illustrate the anatomy of the former in terms of intensive and extensive margins. The methodology consists of using micro data from the PSID to construct a panel of individuals and an aggregate time series obtained by aggregating these individuals each year. These two data sets represent exactly the same sample at different levels of aggregation, and we use them to identify the parameters of two distinct MaCurdy-type micro and macro equations. We find a micro elasticity of about0.1 and a much larger macro elasticity that ranges from 1.1 to 1.7. There is no conflict between the two estimates: the micro one reflects only the intensive margin while themacro one reflects, in addition, the much more volatile extensive margin. Furthermore, aggregation of only continuously employed individuals allows us to provide a reliable estimate of the intensive margin elasticity in the range 0.30.4. This implies an extensive margin elasticity in the range 0.81.4. These findings suggest that micro evidence is not a benchmark for assessing how large the Frisch elasticity of labor supply should be in a model of the aggregate economy.
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Authors: Zanella, Giulio; Fiorito, Riccardo
Periodical (Full): Review of Economic Dynamics
Issue: 2
Volume: 15
Pages: 171-187
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Other
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