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Preference based vs. market based discrimination: Implications for gender differentials in child labor and schooling

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  • Kumar, Alok

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of son-preference by parents and earnings function bias on child labor and schooling in a model in which parents are altruistic. It finds that son-preference leads to gender differential in child labor with female children working more than male children. But it does not lead to gender differential in schooling, except when the bequest constraints are binding. On the other hand, the earnings function bias results in gender differential in both child labor and schooling. Dowry and marriage expenses can lead to inefficiently low level of schooling and high level of child labor. Son-preference magnifies gender differential in child labor and schooling in the presence of dowry and marriage expenses.

Suggested Citation

  • Kumar, Alok, 2013. "Preference based vs. market based discrimination: Implications for gender differentials in child labor and schooling," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 64-68.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:105:y:2013:i:c:p:64-68
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2013.07.004
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    Cited by:

    1. Wei-Bin ZHANG, 2014. "Gender Discrimination, Education and Economic Growth in a Generalized Uzawa-Lucas Two-Sector Model," Timisoara Journal of Economics and Business, West University of Timisoara, Romania, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 7(1), pages 1-34.
    2. Jipeng Zhang & Lue Zhan & Chong Lu, 2020. "The long-run effects of poverty alleviation resettlement on child development: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in China," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 43(10), pages 245-284.
    3. Malik, Samreen & Mihm, Benedikt, 2022. "Parental religiosity and human capital development: A field study in Pakistan," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 519-560.
    4. Alok Kumar, 2019. "Old-Age Income Support, Human Capital Investment, and Efficiency: Rotten-Kid Theorem Meets Samaritan's Dilemma," Department Discussion Papers 1902, Department of Economics, University of Victoria.
    5. Tang, Can & Zhao, Liqiu & Zhao, Zhong, 2018. "Child labor in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 149-166.
    6. Kaletski, Elizabeth, 2016. "Work versus School? The Effect of Work on Educational Expenditures for Children in Mexico," IZA Discussion Papers 10054, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    7. Heather Congdon Fors & Annika Lindskog, 2023. "Son preference and education Inequalities in India: the role of gender-biased fertility strategies and preferential treatment of boys," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 1431-1460, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Son-preference; Earnings function bias; Schooling; Child labor; Dowry; Marriage expenses;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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