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Human Capital and the Timing of the First Birth

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  • Jesse Naidoo

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria)

Abstract

I construct and partially characterize the solution of a life-cycle model of fertility choice and human capital accumulation. Because children take time to raise, women face a trade-off between between lifetime earnings and childbearing. The model implies that (i) earnings must drop discontinuously at the time of a birth; (ii) age at first birth and human capital will be positively correlated; and (iii) a permanently higher demand for skill causes women to delay first births. I show that the second of these predictions holds in a sample of South African women drawn from the first wave of the National Income Dynamics Study.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesse Naidoo, 2021. "Human Capital and the Timing of the First Birth," Working Papers 202148, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pre:wpaper:202148
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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