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Parental time and child outcomes. Does gender matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Del Boca

    (University of Turin and Collegio Carlo ALberto)

  • Anna Laura Mancini

    (Bank of Italy)

Abstract

Using different econometric specifications this paper analyzes the relationship between the time parents spend with their children, child-related expenditure and the results obtained by them, with particular attention to gender differences. The authors use PSID-CDS data from 1997 to 2007 and consider separately boys� and girls� test scores in reading and writing and math and logical reasoning. The amount of time mothers spend with children is always greater than fathers but changes over the life cycle of the children. In fact, the time mothers spend with children decreases as the child grows up and is greater with daughters, while the reverse is true of fathers. The estimates show that the impact of mothers� and fathers� time with children varies considerably with respect to the two cognitive tests, and is considerably greater in the case of highly-educated parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Del Boca & Anna Laura Mancini, 2013. "Parental time and child outcomes. Does gender matter?," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 187, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_187_13
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    File URL: https://www.bancaditalia.it/pubblicazioni/qef/2013-0187/QEF_187.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew Bibler, 2017. "Household Composition and Gender Difference in Parental Time Investments," Working Papers 2017-01, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    time-use; cognitive ability; child development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior

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