Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/20077 
Year of Publication: 
2003
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 832
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
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.
Subjects: 
labour supply of couples
retirement
dynamic panel data models
JEL: 
J26
J22
C35
C33
C15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
504.34 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.