Sons as Widowhood Insurance: Evidence from Senegal
Résumé
Exploiting original data from a Senegalese household survey, we provide evidence that fertility choices are partly driven by women's needs for widowhood insurance. We use a duration model of birth intervals to show that women most at risk in case of widowhood intensify their fertility, shortening birth spacing, until they get a son. Insurance through sons might entail substantial health costs since short birth spacing raises maternal and infant mortality rates.
Domaines
Economies et finances
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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