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Multiple social interactions and reproductive externalities: An investigation of fertility behaviour in Kenya

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  • Melvyn Weeks
  • Sriya Iyer

Abstract

This paper examines empirically the impact of reproductive externalities on fertility behaviour in one developing society - Kenya. We examine this issue by quantifying the effects of group membership on the number of children ever born. The focus of this study is the identification of structural forms of social interaction operating across individuals in the context of fertilty behaviour. Although a number of commentators are careful to point out the conditions under which structural forms of dependence may be separated from residual dependence, we also highlight the importance of different expressions of structural dependence. Thus, although in the majority of empirical applications which include social interactions, a single mode of social interaction is assumed, following the typology suggested by Glaeser, we consider a model which includes multiple expressions of social interaction. If the assumption of a single model of interaction is made, erroneously, then it is possible to arrive at incorrect inference

Suggested Citation

  • Melvyn Weeks & Sriya Iyer, 2004. "Multiple social interactions and reproductive externalities: An investigation of fertility behaviour in Kenya," Econometric Society 2004 Latin American Meetings 143, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:latm04:143
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    Cited by:

    1. Ethan Cohen-Cole & Giulio Zanella, 2008. "Welfare Stigma or Information Sharing? Decomposing Social Interactions Effects in Social Benefit Use," Department of Economics University of Siena 531, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
    2. Ethan Cohen‐Cole & Giulio Zanella, 2008. "Unpacking Social Interactions," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 46(1), pages 19-24, January.
    3. Glaser, Darrell J., 2009. "Teenage dropouts and drug use: Does the specification of peer group structure matter?," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 497-504, August.
    4. Ethan Cohen-Cole, 2005. "Resolving the Identification Problem in Linear Social Interactions Models: Modeling with Between-Group Spillovers," Others 0501001, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fertility behaviour; strategic complementarities; social interaction; endogenous effects; ethnicity; Kenya;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • C50 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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