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Life and Death under Son Preference: Economic stress, Fertility and Early-life Mortality in Rural Spain,1800-1910

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco J. Marco-Gracia

    (Universidad de Zaragoza)

  • Francisco J. Beltrán Tapia

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • Víctor A. Luque de Haro

    (University of Almería)

Abstract

Relying on longitudinal micro data from 13 Spanish rural villages between 1800 and 1910, this paper assesses whether discriminatory practices affected fertility and sex-specific mor- tality during infancy and childhood during economic crises in an area with a strong preference for sons. Our contribution is twofold. On the one hand, there is a connection between short- term economic stress, fertility, and sex ratios at baptism: high-price years were followed by a decline in the number of registered baptisms and by an increase of the sex ratios at baptism. These results therefore suggest that families mortally neglected a significant fraction of their female babies during economic crises. On the other hand, there is a connection between short- term economic stress, mortality, and sex ratios at death. Using death registers further supports this interpretation, since our evidence shows that the female biological advantage was not visible after an economic shock. In addition, gender discriminatory practices against girls during bad years seem to have compensated the male vulnerability at older ages as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco J. Marco-Gracia & Francisco J. Beltrán Tapia & Víctor A. Luque de Haro, 2023. "Life and Death under Son Preference: Economic stress, Fertility and Early-life Mortality in Rural Spain,1800-1910," Working Papers 0240, European Historical Economics Society (EHES).
    • Handle: RePEc:hes:wpaper:0240
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic crises; sex ratios; gender discrimination; infant and child mortality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • 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

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