Differences in fertility behavior and uncertainty: An economic theory of the minority status hypothesis

Article


Chabe-Ferret, B. and Melindi Ghidi, P. 2013. Differences in fertility behavior and uncertainty: An economic theory of the minority status hypothesis. Journal of Population Economics. 26 (3), pp. 887-905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00148-012-0434-8
TypeArticle
TitleDifferences in fertility behavior and uncertainty: An economic theory of the minority status hypothesis
AuthorsChabe-Ferret, B. and Melindi Ghidi, P.
Abstract

We revisit the question of why fertility behaviors and educational decisions appear to vary systematically across ethnic groups. We assess the possibility that differences in fertility 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 offspring. We assume that this uncertainty varies across groups and is linked to the size of the group one belongs to. We find theoretical support for the minority status hypothesis according to which members of large minorities usually have a higher fertility than those in the majority facing low potential for social mobility while small minorities have lower fertility.

KeywordsFertility; minority status; uncertainty
PublisherSpringer
JournalJournal of Population Economics
ISSN0933-1433
Electronic1432-1475
Publication dates
Online28 Jul 2012
Print31 Jul 2013
Publication process dates
Deposited11 Sep 2020
Submitted16 Dec 2011
Accepted28 Jun 2012
Output statusPublished
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s00148-012-0434-8
Web of Science identifierWOS:000317750900003
LanguageEnglish
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