The Differential Effects of the Business Cycle on Fertility Rates Across Races

Type Working Paper
Title The Differential Effects of the Business Cycle on Fertility Rates Across Races
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year)
URL http://www.econ.ucsb.edu/aeastp/aresearch/2010/The Differential Effects of the Business Cycle on​Fertility.pdf
Abstract
In this paper, we study the impact of business cycle on the fertility rates in the United
States. More specifically, we explore the relationship between whites and blacks, and investigate
whether the effects of business cycle differ across race groups. Our findings show pro-cyclical
responses of fertility decisions. In other words, higher birth rates associate with economic booms
and lower birth rates associate with economic downturns. In addition, we find that on average,
whites exhibit higher pro-cyclical responses than blacks.

Related studies

»