The Illusion of Stable Preferences over Major Life Decisions

Maximilian W. Mueller, Joan Hamory Hicks, Jennifer Johnson-Hanks and Edward Miguel
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Maximilian W. Müller

No 25844, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: We examine the stability of preferences over time using panel data from Kenya on fertility intentions, realizations, and recall of intentions. We find that desired fertility is very unstable, but that most people perceive their desires to be stable. Under hypothetical scenarios, few expect their desired fertility to increase over time. Moreover, when asked to recall past intentions, most respondents report previously wanting exactly as many children as they desire today. Biased recall of preferences over a major life decision could have important implications for measuring excess fertility, the evolution of norms, and the perceived need for family planning programs.

JEL-codes: D83 D84 D91 I12 J12 J13 O12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dem and nep-evo
Note: DEV EH
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Working Paper: The Illusion of Stable Preferences Over Major Life Decisions (2019)
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