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Family size, birth order, and tests of the quantity–quality model

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  • Guo, Rufei
  • Yi, Junjian
  • Zhang, Junsen

Abstract

Recent empirical studies challenge the quantity–quality (Q–Q) trade-off of children modeled by Becker and Lewis. In the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates, the effect of family size on child outcomes is frequently estimated with birth order controls. In a group of instrumental variable (IV) estimates, the family size effect is estimated only for low-parity children. We show that existing studies using the above two specifications do not identify the family size effect on average child quality and do not contradict the Becker–Lewis Q–Q theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Rufei & Yi, Junjian & Zhang, Junsen, 2017. "Family size, birth order, and tests of the quantity–quality model," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 45(2), pages 219-224.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:45:y:2017:i:2:p:219-224
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2016.09.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Öberg, Stefan, 2018. "Instrumental variables based on twin births are by definition not valid (v.3.0)," SocArXiv zux9s, Center for Open Science.
    2. Ferry, Marin & de Talancé, Marine & Niño-Zarazúa, Miguel, 2022. "Less debt, more schooling? Evidence from cross-country micro data," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 153-173.
    3. Yu, Yewen & Fan, Yi & Yi, Junjian, 2020. "The One-Child Policy Amplifies Economic Inequality across Generations in China," IZA Discussion Papers 13617, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Kaat Van Hoyweghen & Janne Bemelmans & Hendrik Feyaerts & Goedele Van den Broeck & Miet Maertens, 2023. "Small Family, Happy Family? Fertility Preferences and the Quantity–Quality Trade-Off in Sub-Saharan Africa," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(6), pages 1-35, December.
    5. Li, Xun & Qiu, Yu, 2021. "Are more children better than one? Evidence from a lab experiment of decision making," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Quantity–quality trade-off; Birth order; Family size; Sample truncation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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