Long-Term Consequences of Growing Up in a Recession on Risk Preferences

44 Pages Posted: 7 Oct 2019 Last revised: 3 Jul 2023

See all articles by Hitoshi Shigeoka

Hitoshi Shigeoka

Simon Fraser University (SFU); University of Tokyo - University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Public Policy; IZA Institute of Labor Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Date Written: October 2019

Abstract

Risk preferences play a fundamental role in individuals’ economic decision-making. We examine whether the historical macroeconomic environment shapes individuals’ willingness to take risks. Using nationally representative samples from Japan and exploiting regional variation in economic conditions, we find that men who experienced severe economic conditions in youth are more risk averse in adulthood and the effect is long-lasting. In addition, those men are less likely to be self-employed and they have longer tenure, which are consistent with elevated risk aversion. This study highlights the importance of experience at a critical period of life on the formation of risk preferences.

Suggested Citation

Shigeoka, Hitoshi, Long-Term Consequences of Growing Up in a Recession on Risk Preferences (October 2019). NBER Working Paper No. w26352, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3465370

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