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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Marriage and Childbirth: Survey-based Evidence from Iran

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Reza Farzanegan

    (University of Marburg)

  • Sven Fischer

    (University of Marburg)

Abstract

With a representative survey of 1,214 participants conducted in early 2022, this study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marriage and childbirth in Iran. The results of the empirical investigation using logistic regressions suggest that the experience of unemployment due to the pandemic is positively associated with marriage during the pandemic and the experience of losing a close relative or family member is negatively associated with marriage. In addition, concern about the persistence of the pandemic and vaccination status show negative associations with childbirth during the pandemic. We found heterogenous effects depending on gender, location, and social class; for example, the negative effects of the concern about a prolonged pandemic and vaccination status are driven by female respondents. Overall, the results have implications for the development of the fertility rate and population in post-pandemic Iran.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Reza Farzanegan & Sven Fischer, 2023. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Marriage and Childbirth: Survey-based Evidence from Iran," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202320, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    • Handle: RePEc:mar:magkse:202320
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; pandemic; disaster; Iran; survey; logistic regression; marriage; fertility; family planning; inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • 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
    • P46 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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