Comparative Advantage, Relative Wages, and the Accumulation of Human Capital

Tinbergen Institute Working Paper No. 2002-081/3

47 Pages Posted: 6 Mar 2003

See all articles by Coen N. Teulings

Coen N. Teulings

University of Amsterdam; University of Cambridge

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 9, 2002

Abstract

We apply Ricardo's principle of comparative advantage for a theory of factor substitutability. An assignment model with a continuum of worker and job types is applied. Highly skilled workers have a comparative advantage in complex jobs. The model satisfies the Distance Dependent Elasticity of Substitution characteristic: substitutability between types declines with their skill distance. The model is particularly useful for the analysis of the effects of human capital accumulation on relative wages. These effects can be decomposed in composition and extension effects. Composition effects compress the wage distribution. Then, an equiproportional increase in human capital of all skill types compresses the wage distribution, since extension effects cancel in that case. A workhorse model is provided capturing human capital accumulation and skill biased technological progress. Empirical studies suggest a one year rise in the average level of education to reduce the return to human capital by 20%.

Keywords: assignment, wage distribution, human capital

JEL Classification: D30, J24

Suggested Citation

Teulings, Coen N., Comparative Advantage, Relative Wages, and the Accumulation of Human Capital (August 9, 2002). Tinbergen Institute Working Paper No. 2002-081/3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=327540 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.327540

Coen N. Teulings (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

University of Cambridge ( email )

Trinity Ln
Cambridge, CB2 1TN
United Kingdom