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New evidence of the causal effect of family size on child quality in a developing country

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  • Souza, André Portela Fernandes de
  • Ponczek, Vladimir Pinheiro

Abstract

This paper presents new evidence of the causal effect of family size on child quality in a developing-country context. We estimate the impact of family size on child labor and educational outcomes among Brazilian children and young adults by exploring the exogenous variation of family size driven by the presence of twins in the family. Using the Brazilian Census data for 1991, we nd that the exogenous increase in family size is positively related to labor force participation for boys and girls and to household chores for young women. We also and negative e ects on educational outcomes for boys and girls and negative impacts on human capital formation for young female adults. Moreover, we obtain suggestive evidence that credit and time constraints faced by poor families may explain the findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Souza, André Portela Fernandes de & Ponczek, Vladimir Pinheiro, 2012. "New evidence of the causal effect of family size on child quality in a developing country," Textos para discussão 283, FGV EESP - Escola de Economia de São Paulo, Fundação Getulio Vargas (Brazil).
    • Handle: RePEc:fgv:eesptd:283
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