Infant health, cognitive performance and earnings: evidence from inception of the welfare state in Sweden

Publication type

Research Paper

Series Number

1345

Series

Warwick Economics Research Papers

Authors

Publication date

April 15, 2021

Abstract:

We identify earnings impacts of exposure to an infant health intervention in Sweden, using individual linked administrative data to trace potential mechanisms. Leveraging quasi-random variation in eligibility, we estimate that exposure was associated with higher test scores in primary school for boys and girls. However only girls were more likely to score in the top quintile. Subsequent gains, in secondary schooling, employment, and earnings, are restricted to girls. We show that the differential gains for women accrued from both skills and opportunities, expansion of the welfare state having created unprecedented employment opportunities for women.

Subjects

Link

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2021/twerp_1345_-_bhalotra.pdf

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Related Publications

• Infant health, cognitive performance and earnings: evidence from inception of the welfare state in Sweden

  1. Sonia Bhalotra
  2. Martin Karlsson
  3. Therese Nilsson
  4. Nina Schwarz

  ISER Working Paper Series
  May 27, 2019