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Life after loss: the causal effect of parental death on daughters’ fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Felix Glaser

    (Johannes Kepler University Linz)

  • Rene Wiesinger

    (Johannes Kepler University Linz)

Abstract

Using Austrian administrative data, this study examines the causal effect of parental death on daughters’ fertility through a difference-in-differences approach. The findings indicate that parental death leads to quantitatively insignificant changes in the number of children and the probability of childlessness. Complementary analyses show no substantial effects on labor market participation, residential mobility, or long-term mental health. The evidence suggests that fertility decisions remain largely unaffected by the logistical and emotional challenges of parental loss, highlighting the resilience of reproductive choices to external life shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Felix Glaser & Rene Wiesinger, 2025. "Life after loss: the causal effect of parental death on daughters’ fertility," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 38(1), pages 1-40, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:38:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00148-025-01057-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-025-01057-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Parental death; Mortality; Family; Fertility; Difference-in-differences; Austria;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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