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Bombing and the Two Vietnams

Author

Listed:
  • Vuong, Vu

    (University of Western Australia)

  • Chang, Simon

    (University of Western Australia)

  • Palmer, Michael

    (University of Western Australia)

Abstract

The Vietnam War occurred when Vietnam was divided into two states with contrasting institutions. North Vietnam was characterized by a command economy under a stable political regime, whereas South Vietnam experienced a market economy and prolonged political instability. This paper uses this context to investigate the heterogeneous effect of childhood bombing exposure on health in adulthood. On average we found negative long-term effects on adult height and body mass index among the South Vietnamese population, while their counterparts in the North were barely affected. We argue that this heterogeneity is most likely attributable to the interplay of institutions and bombing.

Suggested Citation

  • Vuong, Vu & Chang, Simon & Palmer, Michael, 2021. "Bombing and the Two Vietnams," IZA Discussion Papers 14443, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14443
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hiroyuki Yamada & TIEN MANH VU, 2025. "The Quiet Lasting Impact of the Vietnam War on Children's Physical Development," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series DP2025-017, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • N45 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Asia including Middle East

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