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Does Family Composition Affect Social Networking?

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  • Heizler (Cohen), Odelia

    (Academic College of Tel-Aviv Yaffo)

  • Kimhi, Ayal

    (Hebrew University, Jerusalem)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of family composition, and in particular the number of children, the age gap between the oldest and youngest child and the age of the youngest child, on parents' involvement in social networks. The predictions of a simple theoretical model are confirmed by an empirical analysis of Israeli Social Survey data for 2002-2006. The number of children has a U -shaped effect on parents' involvement in social networks, with substantial differences between fathers and mothers. The negative effect is dominant on the mothers' involvement in social networks, while the positive effect is dominant on the father's involvement in social networks. The age gap between children has a positive effect on both parents' involvement in social networks, while the age of the youngest child has a positive effect on the father's involvement in social networks. These results imply that social network considerations might be important for fertility decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Heizler (Cohen), Odelia & Kimhi, Ayal, 2012. "Does Family Composition Affect Social Networking?," IZA Discussion Papers 6380, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp6380
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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