American Economic Journal:
Microeconomics
ISSN 1945-7669 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7685 (Online)
A Theory of Occupational Choice with Endogenous Fertility
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
vol. 4,
no. 4, November 2012
(pp. 1–34)
Abstract
Theories based on partial equilibrium reasoning alone cannot explain the widespread negative cross-sectional correlation between parental wages and fertility, without restrictive assumptions on preferences and childcare costs. We argue that incorporating a dynamic general equilibrium analysis of returns to human capital can help explain observed empirical patterns. Other by-products of this theory include explanations for intergenerational mobility without stochastic shocks, connections between mobility and fertility patterns, and locally determinate steady states. Comparative statics exercises on steady states shed light on the effects of education, childcare subsidies, child labor regulations, and income redistribution policy on long run living standards. (JEL H23, I31, J13, J24, J62, J82)Citation
Mookherjee, Dilip, Silvia Prina, and Debraj Ray. 2012. "A Theory of Occupational Choice with Endogenous Fertility." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 4 (4): 1–34. DOI: 10.1257/mic.4.4.1JEL Classification
- H23 Taxation and Subsidies: Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
- I31 General Welfare
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- J24 Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
- J62 Job, Occupational, and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
- J82 Labor Standards: Labor Force Composition