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Family Culture and Fertility Outcomes – Evidence from American Siblings

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  • Eschelbach Martina

    (Deutsche Bundesbank, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 14, 60431 Frankfurt a.M., Germany, and University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany)

Abstract

This paper contributes to the literature on the relationship between culture and socio-economic outcomes by examining the importance of family specific fertility culture for fertility outcomes. Family specific fertility culture is defined as systematic component in fertility preferences shared among family members. Using data from the NLSY79, we identify family culture by comparing preferences of siblings in early adulthood. Relating these preferences to completed fertility later in life, we find a significant influence of attitudes shared between siblings but almost no influence of preferences unrelated to family background. Our results suggest that fertility decisions are indeed affected by family culture which underlines the importance of family background in forming preferences and affecting socio-economic outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Eschelbach Martina, 2015. "Family Culture and Fertility Outcomes – Evidence from American Siblings," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 235(3), pages 246-267, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:235:y:2015:i:3:p:246-267
    DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2015-0302
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