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Conflict Intensity and Birth Outcomes – Evidence from the West Bank

Author

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  • Jürges Hendrik

    (Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Rainer-Gruenter-Str. 21 (FN), 42119Wuppertal, Germany)

  • Westermaier Franz G.

    (WIB – Wuppertal Research Institute for the Economics of Education & Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Gaustrasse 20, 42119Wuppertal, Germany)

Abstract

This study uses data collected in the West Bank to study the effect of intrauterine exposure to conflict during the Second Intifada on birth weight. We use the number of fatalities in a locality of residence during pregnancy as an instantaneous measure of local conflict intensity. Conditional on experiencing any fatality, pregnant mothers were exposed to 11 fatalities on average, which was related to a reduction in average birth weight of about 20 g (or 3 % of a standard deviation). Although the estimated reductions are only significant for boys. Our results are consistent with the notion that violent conflict triggers prenatal psychological or economic stress in pregnant women, which in turn harms unborn children.

Suggested Citation

  • Jürges Hendrik & Westermaier Franz G., 2020. "Conflict Intensity and Birth Outcomes – Evidence from the West Bank," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 20(2), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejeap:v:20:y:2020:i:2:p:8:n:14
    DOI: 10.1515/bejeap-2019-0301
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    birth weight; early life shocks; conflict intensity; Second Intifada; violent conflict; fatalities; West Bank; Palestine; Israel;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • 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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