Fertility, female labor force participation, and the demographic dividend

• DOI: 10.1007/s10887-009-9039-9
• Publication Date: 2009-05-04T20:42:03Z
• Authors: David E. Bloom; David Canning; Günther Fink; Jocelyn E. Finlay
• Keywords: Demographic dividend; Total fertility rate

We estimate the effect of fertility on female labor force participation in a panel countries using abortion legislation as an instrument for fertility. find that removing legal restrictions significantly reduces and that, average, birth woman’s supply by almost 2 years during her reproductive life. Our results imply behavioral change, form increased supply, contributes to economic growth demographic transition when declines.