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Compensation for girls in early childhood and its long-run impact: family investment strategies under rainfall shocks

Author

Listed:
  • Jia Wu

    (Shandong University
    Weihai Institute for Interdisciplinary Research)

  • Jiada Lin

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

  • Xiao Han

    (Nankai University)

Abstract

This study explores the effect of early-life rainfall shocks on the long-run performance of children of different genders and possible mechanisms. Using data from a nationwide Chinese survey, we find that rainfall in children’s year of birth increase girls’ long-term test scores and educational attainment, whereas boys are unaffected. Our analysis of potential mechanisms indicates that birthyear rainfall leads to longer duration of breastfeeding for girls. We also find that, in years with more rainfall, mothers work fewer hours on agricultural work and parents are less likely to agree that raising children is to provide support for themselves in old age. Further analysis shows that rainfall in the current year disproportionately affects private health insurance for girls, indicating that positive rainfall shocks are associated with an increased willingness to invest in girls.

Suggested Citation

  • Jia Wu & Jiada Lin & Xiao Han, 2023. "Compensation for girls in early childhood and its long-run impact: family investment strategies under rainfall shocks," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 1225-1268, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:36:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s00148-022-00901-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-022-00901-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Long-run performance; Compensation for girls; Rainfall; Family investment strategy;
    All these keywords.

    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
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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