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Fertility and Labor Market Responses to Reductions in Mortality

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  • Sonia Bhalotra, Sonia

    (University of Warwick, CEPR, IEA,CAGE,IZA)

  • Venkataramani, Atheendar

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Walther, Selma

    (University of Sussex, IZA and CERGE-EI)

Abstract

We investigate women’s fertility, labor and marriage market responses to large declines in child mortality. We find delayed childbearing, with lower intensive and extensive margin fertility, a decline in the chances of ever having married, increased labor force participation and an improvement in occupational status. This constitutes the first evidence that improvements in child survival allow women to start fertility later and invest more in the labor market. We present a new theory of fertility that incorporates dynamic choices and reconciles our findings with existing models of behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Bhalotra, Sonia & Venkataramani, Atheendar & Walther, Selma, 2021. "Fertility and Labor Market Responses to Reductions in Mortality," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1388, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1388
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    5. Philipp Ager & Casper Worm Hansen & Peter Z. Lin, 2023. "Medical Technology and Life Expectancy: Evidence from the Antitoxin Treatment of Diphtheria," Working Papers 0241, European Historical Economics Society (EHES).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    women’s labor force participation ; fertility timing ; childlessness ; child mortality ; medical innovation JEL Classification: J13 ; I18;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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