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Teenage Childbearing and the Welfare State

Author

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  • Kocharkov, Georgi
  • Mellert, Jan
  • Filote, Andra

Abstract

Teenage birth rates differ significantly across developed countries. They are higher in countries with high income inequality and low intergenerational income mobility. We develop an economic theory of parental investments and risky sexual behavior of teenagers. The model is calibrated to match the stylized facts about income inequality, intergenerational mobility, and sexual behavior of teenagers in the United States. We then impose Norwegian taxes and education spendings on the baseline model. The Norwegian welfare state institutions go a long way in explaining the differences in teenage birth rates between the United States and Norway.

Suggested Citation

  • Kocharkov, Georgi & Mellert, Jan & Filote, Andra, 2015. "Teenage Childbearing and the Welfare State," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113116, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc15:113116
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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