Risk aversion, regional welfare state and private pension plans

Abstract

The investment decisions of individuals are influenced by their perception of risk. The article investigates from an empirical viewpoint the role of risk aversion and of local government as a provider of public services in shaping the decisions of individuals to subscribe to private pension plans. It finds that risk aversion is a relatively important factor in the pension funds subscription decision, and that the greater the provision of local social services, the lower the probability of subscription.