Grand Challenges Canada Economic Returns to Mitigating Early Life Risks Project Working Paper Series
Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
8-7-2013
Abstract
This paper uses longitudinal data (the Indonesian Family Life Survey) to study the persistent effects of in utero exposure to Ramadan over the life cycle. The exposed children have lower birth weights, study fewer hours during elementary school, do more child labor, score 7.8 percent lower on cognitive tests and 5.9 percent lower on math test scores. As adults, the exposed children work 4.5 percent fewer hours and are more likely to be self-employed. Estimates are robust to the inclusion of biological sibling fixed effects. Moreover, results are strongest for religious Muslim families, while insignificant for non-Muslims.
Keywords
Nutritional shocks, Fasting, Ramadan, Health Production, Health and Economic Development, Fertility, Human Capital, Religion
Recommended Citation
Majid, Muhammad 2013. "The Persistent Eff ects of in Utero Nutrition Shocks Over the Life Cycle: Evidence From Ramadan Fasting." Grand Challenges Canada Economic Returns to Mitigating Early Life Risks Project Working Paper Series, 2013-5. https://repository.upenn.edu/gcc_economic_returns/5.
Date Posted: 08 August 2013
Comments
Majid, Muhammad Farhan. 2013. "The Persistent E ffects of in Utero Nutrition Shocks Over the Life Cycle: Evidence From Ramadan Fasting." GCC Working Paper Series, GCC 13-05.