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The Effect of Violence on Birth Outcomes: Evidence from Homicides in Rural Brazil

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  • Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner
  • Marco Manacorda

Abstract

This paper uses microdata from Brazilian vital statistics natality and mortality data between 2000 and 2010 to estimate the impact of in-utero exposure to local violence -measured by homicide rates- on birth outcomes. Focusing on small communities, where it is more plausible that local homicide rates reflect actual exposure to violence, the analysis shows that exposure to violence during pregnancy leads to deterioration in birth outcomes: one extra homicide during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the probability of low birthweight by around 6 percent. Results are particularly pronounced among children of poorly educated mothers, implying that violence compounds the disadvantage that these children already suffer as a result of their households' lower socioeconomic status.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner & Marco Manacorda, 2013. "The Effect of Violence on Birth Outcomes: Evidence from Homicides in Rural Brazil," Research Department Publications IDB-WP-416, Inter-American Development Bank, Research Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:wpaper:idb-wp-416
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Gingerich, Daniel W. & Scartascini, Carlos, 2022. "A heavy hand or a helping hand? Information provision and citizen preferences for anti-crime policies," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 42(2), pages 364-389, June.
    3. Daniel W. Gingerich & Virginia Oliveros, 2018. "Police Violence and the Underreporting of Crime," Economics and Politics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 78-105, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J88 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Public Policy

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