Social security reform with self-control preferences

This paper analyzes a fully funded social security system under the assumption that agents face temptation issues. Agents are required to save through individually managed Personal Security Accounts without, and with mandatory annuitization. When the analysis is restricted to CRRA preferences our results are congruent with the literature in indicating that the complete elimination of social security is among the reform scenarios that maximize welfare. However, when self control preferences are introduced, and as the intensity of self control becomes progressively more severe the “social security elimination” scenario loses ground very rapidly. In fact, in the case of relatively severe temptation the elimination of social security becomes the least desirable alternative. Under the light of the above findings, any reform proposal regarding the social security system should consider departures from standard preferences to preference specifications suitable for dealing with preference reversals.

Research Highlights► We analyze fully and partially funded social security with self-control agents (78). ► Reform scenarios entail savings via PSAs without, and with mandatory annuitization (82). ► Under CRRA preferences social security elimination is among the best reform scenarios (85). ► Even with mildly severe self-control preferences elimination rapidly loses its appeal (85). ► Self-control issues prove critical in assessing welfare from social security reform (83).