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Structural Labor Supply Models and Wage Exogeneity

Author

Listed:
  • Löffler, Max

    (Maastricht University)

  • Peichl, Andreas

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Siegloch, Sebastian

    (University of Cologne)

Abstract
There is still considerable dispute about the magnitude of labor supply elasticities. While differences in micro and macro estimates are recently attributed to frictions and adjustment costs, we show that relatively low labor supply elasticities derived from microeconometric models can also be explained by modeling assumptions with respect to wages. Specifically, we estimate 3,456 structural labor supply models each representing a plausible combination of frequently made choices. While most model assumptions do not systematically affect labor supply elasticities, our analysis shows that the results are very sensitive to the treatment of wages. In particular, the often-made but highly restrictive independence assumption between preferences and wages is key. To overcome this restriction, we propose a flexible estimation strategy that nests commonly used models. We show that loosening the exogeneity assumption leads to labor supply elasticities that are much higher.

Suggested Citation

  • Löffler, Max & Peichl, Andreas & Siegloch, Sebastian, 2014. "Structural Labor Supply Models and Wage Exogeneity," IZA Discussion Papers 8281, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8281
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor supply; elasticity; random utility models; wages;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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