Joint Labor Supply Dynamics of Older Couples

TitleJoint Labor Supply Dynamics of Older Couples
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsMichaud, P-C
Series TitleIZA DP
Document Number832
InstitutionIZA Institute for the Study of Labor
CityBonn, Germany,
Call Numberwp_2003/Michaud_IZA.pdf
KeywordsAdult children, Employment and Labor Force, Methodology, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction
Abstract

This paper studies the labour force participation dynamics of older couples in the United States. Longitudinal data from the five available waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is used to investigate if the dynamics introduced by considering both spouses behavior provide additional information in trying to fit observed participation sequences. The paper uses a bivariate dynamic binary choice model with unobserved heterogeneity and serial correlation to disentangle the many sources of dynamics and correlation in a couple s decision making. First, strong true state-dependence is found and results in a bunching of participation and non-participation sequences. Cross-spouse state-dependence is also found which points to indirect effects of social security and pension incentives through complementarity in leisure. Second, the Spouse Allowance program is found to have predicted effects on participation of the couple and these effects are statistically significant. A simulation exercise presents evidence that the elimination of the spouse allowance can raise participation of wives at age 62 by more than the decrease in participation of husbands at age 65.

URLhttps://www.iza.org/publications/dp/832/joint-labour-supply-dynamics-of-older-couples
Endnote Keywords

Labor Supply/Retirement/Couples/Panel Data

Endnote ID

11642

Citation Key5552