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Television and fertility: evidence from a natural experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Bönisch

    (Compass Lexecon Berlin)

  • Walter Hyll

    (University for Continuing Education Krems)

Abstract

In this paper, we study the effect of television exposure on fertility. We exploit a natural experiment that took place in Germany after WWII. For topographical reasons, Western TV programs, which promoted one/no child families, could not be received in certain parts of East Germany. We find robust evidence that access to West German TV results in lower fertility. This conclusion is robust to alternative model specifications and different data sets. Using individual level information on TV consumption, we employ IV techniques to estimate the direct effect of Western TV consumption on fertility. By using aggregate level fertility data, we furthermore show the robustness of our analysis in a difference-in-difference setting. Our results suggest that individual fertility decisions are affected by role models or information about other ways of life promoted by media.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Bönisch & Walter Hyll, 2023. "Television and fertility: evidence from a natural experiment," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 64(3), pages 1025-1066, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:64:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s00181-022-02278-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-022-02278-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Natural experiment; TV consumption; Fertility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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