Differences in Fertility Behavior and Uncertainty: An Economic Theory of the Minority Status Hypothesis

Bastien Chabé-Ferret () and Paolo Melindi-Ghidi

No 2011005, LIDAM Discussion Papers IRES from Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES)

Abstract: We revisit the question of why fertility behaviors and educational decisions appear to vary systematically across ethnic groups. We assess the possibility that fertility differentials across groups remain even though their socio-economic characteristics are similar. More specifically, we consider that parents' fertility decisions are affected by the uncertainty concerning the future economic status of their off-spring. We assume that this uncertainty varies across groups and is linked to the size of the group one belongs to. The transition path gives support to the minority status hypothesis according to which minority members usually have a higher fertility facing low potential for social mobility but may in some instances strategically decrease their fertility.

Keywords: Fertility Differentials; Minority Status; Uncertainty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D81 J13 J15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 32
Date: 2011-02-14, Revised 2011-12-12
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Differences in fertility behavior and uncertainty: an economic theory of the minority status hypothesis (2013)
Working Paper: Differences in fertility behavior and uncertainty: an economic theory of the minority status hypothesis (2013)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ctl:louvir:2011005

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