Infant Health and the Labor Supply of Mothers

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Human Resources
Year: 1996
Volume: 31
Issue: 1

Authors (3)

David M. Blau (Ohio State University) David K. Guilkey (not in RePEc) Barry M. Popkin (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We analyze the relationships among infant feeding, infant health, and the labor supply of mothers using detailed, longitudinal data from the Philippines. We find little evidence that maternal labor supply has a direct, causal effect on child health after accounting for the endogeneity of the mother's labor supply. Consistent with the predictions of economic theory, mothers with higher wage offers are more likely to work, less likely to breastfeed, and more likely to use infant formula. Mothers with higher wages have healthier children, while mothers facing higher food prices have less healthy children.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:uwp:jhriss:v:31:y:1996:i:1:p:90-139
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24