Dynamique des transferts intergénérationnels et effet de démonstration

In this paper, we extend the framework of the motives for familial solidarities to three generations. By focusing on upward transfers, we examine the demonstration effect hypothesis where individuals make transfers to their parents in order to be helped in return by their children. We show the limits of this model when the probability of imitation is exogenous. Then, we endogeneize this probability by assuming that imitative behaviors are influenced by the stock of upstream transfers made previously by the parents. The theoretical predictions are tested using two cross-sectional surveys from France. Using different types of upstream transfers, we find little evidence in favor of the demonstration effect hypothesis.