Saving behavior and the intergenerational allocation of leisure time

Abstract

We study how cross-country cultural differences in the intergenerational allocation of leisure time affect savings and working time. To do so, we consider a life-cycle model in which leisure and consumption are complementary and individuals decide on the intertemporal allocation of consumption, on leisure time and on its allocation among individuals of the same generation or of a different one. The latter decision margin determines the equilibrium utility services from leisure that individuals obtain in each life time period. We show that economies in which older individuals obtain higher leisure services have higher savings rates, higher stock of capital per worker and higher fraction of time worked. Using data from the World Value Survey, we provide empirical support to these findings. Our results suggest that cultural differences in leisure allocation play a structural role in shaping cross-country differences in savings and labor supply.