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The effect of breastfeeding on young adult wages: new evidence from the add health

Author

Listed:
  • Resul Cesur

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Joseph J. Sabia

    (San Diego State University)

  • Inas Rashad Kelly

    (Queens College of the City University of New York)

  • Muzhe Yang

    (Lehigh University)

Abstract

A growing literature in economics has examined the effect of early childhood health investments on adult human capital formation and labor market outcomes. This study is the first to examine the effect of having been breastfed as an infant on young adult earnings. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), ordinary least squares estimates suggest that breastfeeding is associated with a 10–12 % increase in hourly earnings. However, after ensuring common support on observables via propensity score matching and controlling for unmeasured family level heterogeneity common to siblings via family fixed effects, the estimated associations become much smaller and are statistically indistinguishable from zero. We conclude that the benefits of having been breastfed do not appear to extend to the labor market.

Suggested Citation

  • Resul Cesur & Joseph J. Sabia & Inas Rashad Kelly & Muzhe Yang, 2017. "The effect of breastfeeding on young adult wages: new evidence from the add health," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 25-51, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:15:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s11150-016-9332-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-016-9332-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Rossi, Elodie & Levasseur, Pierre & Clément, Matthieu, 2024. "“Mother's milk”: Is there a social reversal in breastfeeding practices along with economic development?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 345(C).
    3. Pinna Pintor, Matteo & Fumagalli, Elena & Suhrcke, Marc, 2024. "The impact of health on labour market outcomes: A rapid systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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