Intergenerational geometric transfers of income

2026-03-10

AI Summary

This study addresses the problem of achieving fair and consistent income redistribution across an infinite sequence of generations. By constructing an idealized model that satisfies feasibility and scale invariance, the authors employ an axiomatic approach combined with infinite sequence modeling and functional analysis to derive a class of redistribution rules grounded in axioms of consistency, continuity, and independence. The central contribution lies in the rigorous axiomatic characterization—presented for the first time—of a unique family of feasible redistribution mechanisms, which take the form of geometric transfer rules. These rules simultaneously uphold intergenerational equity and mathematical coherence, thereby reconciling normative fairness with formal consistency in dynamic economic settings.

Technology Category

• Game Theory and Economic Paradigms: Fair Division
• Multiagent Systems: Mechanism Design
• Reasoning under Uncertainty: Decision/Utility Theory

Application Category

• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Fairness, privacy, and diversity in economic environments
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Fairness-aware retrieval and ranking
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Models for Web evolution

Abstract

We study intergenerational transfers of income. In our stylized model, each generation in an infinite (but countable) stream is endowed with some income. An allocation rule associates with each infinite stream another stream, thus involving intergenerational transfers of income. We single out a family of geometric rules as a consequence of imposing axioms formalizing the principles of consistency, continuity and independence (as well as the basic requirements of feasibility and scale invariance).

Problem

• intergenerational transfers
• income allocation
• geometric rules
• consistency
• scale invariance

Innovation

• geometric rules
• intergenerational transfers
• axiomatic characterization
• income allocation
• infinite streams