Famine, fertility, and fortune in china

In this paper, I investigate the long term effects of China's Great Famine in 1959-1961 on cohorts affected by the famine in the first year of life. Using China's 2000 population census data and after controlling for positive fertility selections in the famine, I find that women exposed to the famine in the first year of life had a lower probability of completing high school and lived in less wealthy households. I do not find any significant effects of the famine on men. In addition, I find that if positive fertility selections are not controlled for, the negative effects become weaker.

Research Highlights► In my paper, “Famine, Fertility, and Fortune in China”, I investigate the long term impacts of the Great Famine in China on surviving children's economic and social outcomes in adulthood. ► Using detailed birth information, I can control for parents' fertility selections in the famine, which distinguishes my paper from other papers investigating the similar topic. ► In my paper, I find that exposing to the famine in the first year of life had negative effects on women's education and wealth. ► I also find that if positive fertility selections are not controlled for, the negative effects on women become weaker. ► But I did not find significant effects of the famine on men's adult outcomes.