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Housing, Health, and Happiness*

* This paper has been replicated

Author

Listed:
  • Matias D. Cattaneo
  • Sebastian Galiani
  • Paul J. Gertler
  • Sebastian Martinez
  • Rocio Titiunik

Abstract

We investigate the impact of a large-scale Mexican program to replace dirt floors with cement floors on child health and adult happiness. We find that replacing dirt floors with cement significantly improves the health of young children measured by decreases in the incidence of parasitic infestations, diarrhea, and the prevalence of anemia, and an improvement in children's cognitive development. Additionally, we find significant improvements in adult welfare measured by increased satisfaction with their housing and quality of life, as well as by lower scores on depression and perceived stress scales. (JEL I12, I31, J13, O15)

Suggested Citation

  • Matias D. Cattaneo & Sebastian Galiani & Paul J. Gertler & Sebastian Martinez & Rocio Titiunik, 2009. "Housing, Health, and Happiness," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 1(1), pages 75-105, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:75-105
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.1.1.75
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Replication

    This item has been replicated by:
  • Maria Pía Basurto & Ramiro Burga & José Luis Flor Toro & César Huaroto, 2019. "Note – Walking on Solid Ground: A Replication Study of ‘Housing Health and Happiness’," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(5), pages 1042-1046, May.

    • More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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    This item is featured on the following reading lists, Wikipedia, or ReplicationWiki pages:
    1. Housing, Health, and Happiness (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 2009) in ReplicationWiki

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