Session: Long Run and Intergenerational Influences of the Foetal and Early Childhood Environment in Developing Countries
Room: Upson 117
Time: Tue 08:30-10:00

Presenter: Winnie Fung (Harvard University. )

Discussant: Sonia Bhalotra (University of Bristol)

Abstract

Recent studies have documented the long-term economic effects of maternal and infant malnutrition. Little is known, however, about whether such effects have intergenerational persistence. Using a rich set of household and individual-level longitudinal survey data, we study the effects of the 1959-61 China Famine on the health and education outcomes of children whose parents were themselves born or conceived during the famine. We show that these children have a lower height-for-age and weight-for-age compared to those born to parents who have not been exposed to the famine. The negative effects do not disappear even after controlling for parents' health and education. Effects of mother's famine exposure are stronger than those of the father's. We find much stronger adverse effects for boys than for girls.

Key Terms

intergeneration, famine, malnutrition, China

Authors:

Winnie Fung (Harvard University) and Wei Ha