Empowering women: How education shapes fertility and children’s health

The relationship between women’s education, fertility rates, and children’s health has long been a topic of interest for economists and policymakers. A new study published in the European Economic Review by our UB School of Economics researchers Cristina Bellés and Judit Vall sheds light on this issue by examining the impact of women’s education on fertility and children’s health in Spain during a period of gender equalization and greater access to economic opportunities.

The study titled “Women’s education, fertility and children’ health during a gender equalization process: Evidence from a child labor reform in Spain” focuses on a reform that was implemented in Spain in 1980, which raised the minimum working age from 14 to 16 while the compulsory education age remained at 14. This reform changed the within-cohort incentives for women to remain in the educational system. Using a difference-in-differences approach, the researchers found that the reform delayed fertility but did not impact the completed fertility of affected women.

However, the study also revealed a concerning finding – the reform was detrimental to the health of the children of affected mothers at delivery. The researchers identified two channels for this adverse effect: the postponement in the entrance of motherhood and the deterioration of mothers’ health habits, such as smoking and drinking.

Despite these initial adverse effects, the study also found that in the medium run, these more educated mothers were able to reverse the adverse health shocks at birth through maternal vigilance and investment in their children’s health habits. This suggests that investing in women’s education can have long-term positive impacts on both the health of children and the overall well-being of society.

These findings have important implications for policymakers in Spain and beyond. The study highlights the need to consider the potential unintended consequences of policy changes, such as the reform that increased the minimum working age. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of investing in women’s education to promote positive outcomes for both mothers and children.

Overall, the UB School of Economics study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between women’s education, fertility rates, and children’s health. By shedding light on the impacts of policy changes, the research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the factors that drive population trends and health outcomes.

To learn more about the research conducted by Dr. Judit Vall and Dr. Cristina Bellés and other researchers at UB School of Economics, and to explore their profiles and publications, please visit our website.

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