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Is the Quantity-Quality Trade-Off a Trade-Off for All, None, or Some?

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  • Daniel L. Millimet
  • Le Wang

Abstract

Although the theoretical trade-off between the quantity and quality of children is well established, empirical evidence supporting such a causal relationship--particularly on child health--is limited. We use two measures of child health to assess the quantity-quality trade-off across the entire distribution. Using data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey and controlling for the potential endogeneity of child quantity, we find modest, statistically meaningful evidence of a causal trade-off.

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  • Daniel L. Millimet & Le Wang, 2011. "Is the Quantity-Quality Trade-Off a Trade-Off for All, None, or Some?," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 60(1), pages 155-195.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:ecdecc:doi:10.1086/661216
    DOI: 10.1086/661216
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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