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Causal Analysis of Policy Effects on Fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Rannveig Hart

    (Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

  • Janna Bergsvik

    (Statistics Norway)

  • Agnes Fauske

    (University of Oslo)

  • Wookun Kim

    (Southern Methodist University)

Abstract

This chapter reviews the literature on the causal effects of policies on fertility. It focuses on evidence from experiments and quasi-experiments in low fertility contexts, including studies from Europe, Northern America, Oceania, and Asia. Making no a priori restrictions on policy type, the review encompasses evaluations of parental leave, childcare, health insurance, and financial incentives such as child transfers. Childcare expansions increase completed fertility. Financial incentives had positive effects on fertility across contexts, both in the short and long run. Expansions of parental leave rights in Central Europe and the introduction of parental leave in the U.S. also had positive effects. The distributional effects of these policies are very different, with parental leave compensation benefiting high-earning couples, while expansions of childcare programs had potential to reduce social inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Rannveig Hart & Janna Bergsvik & Agnes Fauske & Wookun Kim, 2023. "Causal Analysis of Policy Effects on Fertility," Departmental Working Papers 2309, Southern Methodist University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:smu:ecowpa:2309
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    File URL: https://ftp1.economics.smu.edu/WorkingPapers/2023/KIM/KIM-2023-09.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Wookun Kim, 2023. "Baby Bonus, Fertility, and Missing Women," Departmental Working Papers 2308, Southern Methodist University, Department of Economics.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    pro-natalist policies; cash transfer; parental leave; childcare; healthcare; fertility.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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