Semiparametric Estimation of Lifetime Equivalence Scales.

Pashardes (1991) and Banks, Blundell and Preston (1994) use parametric methods to estimate lifetime equivalence scales. Their approaches put parametric restrictions on the differences in within-period expenditure needs across household types, the intertemporal allocation of expenditure, and the structure of within-period consumer demand systems. This paper puts parametric structure only on the differences in within-period expenditure needs across household types. This implies structure on the intertemporal allocation of expenditure, but leaves within-period consumer demand systems unrestricted.