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Revisiting the Link Between Electrification and Fertility: Evidence from the Early 20th Century United States

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  • Daniela Vidart

    (University of Connecticut)

Abstract

This paper presents empirical and theoretical evidence on the link between the sharp decline in US fertility from 1900 to 1940 and the expansion of electricity. Using data on early electrification efforts, I identify two channels connecting electrification and fertility: time-saving household appliances, which reduced child-rearing demands, and rising female wages, which increased the opportunity cost of childcare. A calibrated quantitative model incorporating both channels shows that electrification accounts for 3.1% of the fertility decline in 1900–1940. This modest effect reflects the offsetting nature of the two channels and prevailing labor norms that limited female labor force attachment.

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  • Daniela Vidart, 2024. "Revisiting the Link Between Electrification and Fertility: Evidence from the Early 20th Century United States," Working papers 2024-03, University of Connecticut, Department of Economics, revised May 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:uct:uconnp:2024-03
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    1. Griffin, Míde & Lyons, Sean & Nolan, Anne, 2025. "Rural electrification and secondary school enrolments in Ireland," MPRA Paper 124216, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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