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

Publication type

ISER Working Paper Series

Series Number

2019-05

Series

ISER Working Paper Series

Authors

Publication date

May 27, 2019

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, with a different distribution of gains, only girls being more likely to score in the top quintile. Subsequent gains, in secondary schooling, employment, and earnings, are restricted to girls. We argue that the differential gains for women accrued from both skills and opportunities, expansion of the welfare state having created unprecedented employment opportunities for women.

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