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Family First: The causal effect of family size on cultural participation

Author

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  • Hendrik Sonnabend

    (University of Hagen)

  • Matthias Westphal

    (University of Hagen and RWI Essen)

Abstract

Using longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we estimate how having children affects parents’ participation in arts, high- and lowbrow cultural activities, and sports. Identification combines three complementary, wellestablished strategies: (i) an event-study design around first births; (ii) twin births as exogenous shocks to second and third births; and (iii) sex-composition preferences as an exogenous driver of third births. Following first births, average participation falls by 13–54%, with event-study dynamics showing large short-run drops and a slow, incomplete recovery within ten years. We also document pronounced gender heterogeneity: mothers experience larger immediate declines, while fathers are more affected on the extensive margin (any participation). By contrast, effects of second and third births are mixed; when present, they are modest and tend to fade as children age.

Suggested Citation

  • Hendrik Sonnabend & Matthias Westphal, 2025. "Family First: The causal effect of family size on cultural participation," ACEI Working Paper Series AWP-07-2025, Association for Cultural Economics International.
    • Handle: RePEc:cue:wpaper:awp-07-2025
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    JEL classification:

    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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