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Friday the 13th: The Empirics of Bad Luck

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  • Jan Fidrmuc
  • J. D. Tena

Abstract

type="main"> We use the UK Labor Force survey to investigate whether the socio-economic outcomes of people born on the 13-super-th day of the month, and of those born on Friday the 13-super-th, differ from the outcomes of people born on more auspicious days. In many European countries, including the UK, number 13 is considered unlucky and Friday the 13-super-th is seen as an especially unlucky day. We find little evidence that people born on the 13-super-th or those born on Friday the 13-super-th are significantly less likely to be employed, earn lower wages or that they are more likely to stay unmarried compared to people born on other days.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Fidrmuc & J. D. Tena, 2015. "Friday the 13th: The Empirics of Bad Luck," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 68(3), pages 317-334, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:kyklos:v:68:y:2015:i:3:p:317-334
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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