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Birth Order and Human Capital Development: Evidence from Ecuador

Author

Listed:
  • de Haan, Monique

    (University of Oslo)

  • Plug, Erik

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Rosero, José

    (INEC Ecuador)

Abstract

In this paper we examine the effect of birth order on human capital development in Ecuador using a large national database together with self-collected survey data. Using family fixed effects models we find significant positive birth order effects; earlier born children stay behind in their human capital development from early childhood to adolescence. Turning to potential mechanisms we find that earlier born children receive less quality time from their mothers than later born children. In addition, they are breastfed shorter. The estimated birth order effects are largest for children in their teens growing up in poor, low educated families.

Suggested Citation

  • de Haan, Monique & Plug, Erik & Rosero, José, 2012. "Birth Order and Human Capital Development: Evidence from Ecuador," IZA Discussion Papers 6706, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp6706
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ecuador; human capital development; parental time allocation; birth order;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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