Non-separable utilities and aggregate instability

Abstract

This paper studies an infinite‐horizon two‐sector growth model with sector‐specific externalities and preferences that are non‐separable between consumption and leisure. We find two main results. First, a larger income effect on the labor supply increases the possibility of macroeconomic instability. Second, a larger elasticity of the labor supply may increase or decrease the possibility of aggregate instability, depending on the intensity of the income effect.