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Robots, jobs, and optimal fertility timing

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  • Claudio Costanzo

Abstract

This paper examines how industrial robots influence the timing of childbirth in Europe. Higher exposure to robots is associated with earlier fertility in low- and high-skilled regional labor markets and with a delay in medium-skilled ones. The underlying mechanisms are rationalized through a model of fertility, parameterized with data on individuals’ expectations about the displacement and creation of jobs due to automation. Variations in the simulated timing of childbirth are associated with corresponding changes in childlessness rates. The results establish a link between the Routine-Biased Technological Change hypothesis and demographic behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudio Costanzo, 2025. "Robots, jobs, and optimal fertility timing," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/393124, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulb:ulbeco:2013/393124
    Note: SCOPUS: ar.j
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daron Acemoglu & Pascual Restrepo, 2017. "Robots and Jobs: Evidence from US Labor Markets," Boston University - Department of Economics - Working Papers Series dp-297, Boston University - Department of Economics.
    2. Daron Acemoglu & Claire Lelarge & Pascual Restrepo, 2020. "Competing with Robots: Firm-Level Evidence from France," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 110, pages 383-388, May.
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