Economics of Migration and Job Search: Problem Set 2
Suphanit Piyapromdee
1. Assume that firms produce output using high and low skill labor
ρ ρ 1/ρ
Yt = At θht Lht + L`t
where Let with e ∈ {h, `} is the aggregate labor input of workers of skill e in time t;
σE = 1/(1 − ρ) is the elasticity of substitution between skill groups;θet is the relative
productivity level of skilled to unskilled labor.
Within each skill group, workers differ by age (or experience)
η η 1/η
Let = αeY LeY t + LeOt
where a ∈ {Y, O} denotes young and old, and one of the αea is normalized to one;
σA = 1/(1 − η) is the elasticity of substitution between age groups.
Within each age group, workers differ by immigration status
1/δ
δ M δ
Leat = Neat + βeat Meat
N is normalized to one.
where N denotes natives and M denotes immigrants, and βeat
(a) (optional) Assume perfect competition, verify that labor demand takes the fol-
lowing form
s 1 s
lnWeat = lnAt + lnLt + lnθet + lnαea + lnβeat
σE
where S ∈ {N, M} is an immigrant status.
Solution: to be shown in tutorial.
M?
(b) How would you estimate σE , σA , σI and θht , αeY , βeat
M by subtracting lnwN from lnwM ,
Solution: Step 1: Estimate σI and βeat eat eat
M
weat 1 Meat
ln = de + da + dt − ln
wNeat σI Neat
1
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller joelchoo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.