Many demographers predict that the United States will have zero population growth in the twenty-first century, in contrast to the average population growth of about 1 percent per year in the twentieth century. Use the Solow model to forecast the effect of this slowdown in population growth on the growth of total output and the growth of output per person. Consider the effects both in the steady-state and in the transition between steady states.
Many demographers predict that the United States will have zero population growth in the twenty-first century, in contrast to the average population growth of about 1 percent per year in the twentieth century. Use the Solow model to forecast the effect of this slowdown in population growth on the growth of total output and the growth of output per person. Consider the effects both in the steady-state and in the transition between steady states.
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By manipulating the equations of the Solow model mathematically, it is possible to make more precise quantitative statements about the behavior of growth rates over time. For example, one way of qualifying the principle of transition dynamics is with the following equation.
g = 3 X (ln y* - ln y0) + 2
where g denotes the growth rate of a country over the next 10 years (in percentage points), 1n denotes the natural logarithm, y0 is the per capita GDP of a country in a steady-state (relative to the United States).
Of course, we don't usually know a country's steady-state position vis-Ã -vis of the United States. However, we do observe its growth rate. This question asks you to consider the facts from recent growth experiences in the table below.
Country | Current rate | Steady-state | g |
United States | 100 | 2 | |
Ireland | 86 | 4 | |
Russia | 21 | 5 | |
Brazil | 17 | 2 | |
China | 7 | 9 | |
India | 5 | 6 | |
Ethiopia | 1 | 5 |
Per capita Growth rate Per capita
GDP (US = 100), during GDP (US = 100),
Country 2010 2000-2010(%) steady state
The United States 100 2.0
Ireland 86 4.0
Russia 21 5.0
Brazil 17 2.0
China 7 9.0
India 5 6.0
Ethiopia 1 5.0
(a) Using those facts and the equation above, fill in the last column of the table. That is, offer a projection of where countries are headed in the long run.
(b) Provide a one-paragraph discussion of your results.