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The Effect of Skill Level on the Timing of Childbearing and Number of Children

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  • Peter Alders

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of differences in ability on the timing and number ofchildren. Higher skilled women have less disutility of labor and have relatively lessutility of raising children. Motherhood has a negative effect on the accumulation ofhuman capital by learning-by-doing and thereby on career perspectives. A decline infertility is explained without a quantity-quality shift.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Alders, 1998. "The Effect of Skill Level on the Timing of Childbearing and Number of Children," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 98-127/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:19980127
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    File URL: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/98127.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    heterogeneity in skill level; number of children; timing childbearing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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