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Intergenerational Transmission of Time Preferences: An Evidence from Rural Thailand

Author

Listed:
  • Suparee Boonmanunt
  • Wasinee Jantorn
  • Varunee Khruapradit
  • Weerachart Kilenthong

Abstract

This study investigates factors associated with child time preferences in rural Thailand using a large and unique data set of more than 700 children with rich background information on child, caregiver, parent, and household characteristics. We find that the caregiver discount factor positively correlates with a child’s ability to delay gratification, regardless of whether the caregiver is a parent. Children’s age and literacy ability are significantly associated with child time preferences, while other variables, e.g., screen time, are not. Interestingly, the older the caregivers, the stronger the relationship between caregiver and child time preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Suparee Boonmanunt & Wasinee Jantorn & Varunee Khruapradit & Weerachart Kilenthong, 2022. "Intergenerational Transmission of Time Preferences: An Evidence from Rural Thailand," PIER Discussion Papers 178, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, revised Apr 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:pui:dpaper:178
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    Cited by:

    1. Ahmad Shabir Faizi & Weerachart Kilenthong, 2022. "The Role of Caregiver Time Preferences, Child Behavioral Problems and Community Risks on Parenting Style," PIER Discussion Papers 180, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Time preferences; Patience; Field experiment; Intergenerational transmission; Skill formation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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