Bliss and growth: optimal policies under uncertainty
Date
1998
Authors
Editor(s)
Advisor
Başçı, Erdem
Supervisor
Co-Advisor
Co-Supervisor
Instructor
Source Title
Print ISSN
Electronic ISSN
Publisher
Bilkent University
Volume
Issue
Pages
Language
English
Type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Series
Abstract
This thesis conducts a study on growth theory by analyzing how the results of the current optimal growth theory change when households are assumed to have bliss points in their consumption sets. For this purpose a discrete-time, one-sector, stochastic model of endogenous growth, adopting constant returns to scale technology and quadratic utility function, is constructed. The solution of the model through “value function iteration” shows the existence of qualitatively different equilibria, depending on the initial state of the economy. This result demonstrates that it is possible to combine “poverty traps” and “sustained growth” into a common analytical framework.