Boberg-Fazlic N, Ivets M, Karlsson M, Nilsson T. Disease and fertility: Evidence from the 1918-19 influenza pandemic in Sweden.
ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2021;
43:101020. [PMID:
34252794 DOI:
10.1016/j.ehb.2021.101020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
What are the consequences of a severe health shock like an influenza pandemic on fertility? Using rich administrative data and a difference-in-differences approach, we evaluate fertility responses to the 1918-19 influenza pandemic in Sweden. We find evidence of a small baby boom following the end of the pandemic, but we show that this effect is second-order compared to a strong long-term negative fertility effect. Within this net fertility decline there are compositional effects: we observe a relative increase in births to married women and to better-off families. Several factors - including disruptions to the marriage market and income effects - contribute to the long-term fertility reduction. The results are consistent with studies that find a positive fertility response following natural disasters, but we show that this effect is short-lived.
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