Roe v. Wade and Sex BalancingÂ
Economics Letters (DOI)
Abstract: A classic test for the existence of sex selection is the presence of a skewed sex ratio. However, a balanced sex ratio is possible if sex selection is used to achieve gender diversity. Using the natural experiment of abortion legalization (Roe v. Wade) in 1973, I present evidence that sex-selective abortion was used for gender balancing. I document that the probability of the first two children being the same sex decreased immediately following abortion legalization. Additionally, the previous literature found that the probability of having a third child is higher when the first two children are of the same sex because of the preference for gender diversity. I estimate such an effect drops significantly after legalization, as sex selection crowded out the practice of having additional children to achieve a gender mix.
Abstract: The existing gender preferences may lead to demographic shifts if parents can choose the sex of their children. To predict these potential shifts, I formulate and estimate a fertility model with preferences over the gender and number of children. The model is identified by the decision to have additional children conditional on the sex composition of the existing offspring. I find a strong preference for gender variety and a slight preference for boys in the United States. Non-white and non-native households prefer boys, while highly educated households prefer girls. I use the model to simulate how the prevalence of sex-selective technology could affect the sex ratio and fertility level based on the estimated gender preferences. I find that a skewed sex ratio is unlikely, primarily because the mixed-gender preference outweighs that for a specific gender. I estimate an increase in births by approximately 1%, depending on factors such as the cost of sex selection.
First Child Sex and Parental Longevity
Abstract: I investigate the causal effect of the sex of the first child on parental longevity. Using quasi-random variation in the first-born sex and data from the NLSY79, I find that having a first-born son reduces parental life expectancy compared to having a first-born daughter. I explore three potential channels. First, daughters are more likely to act as caregivers for their aging parents, paying closer attention to their health needs. Second, sons demand more parenting time, which can negatively impact parents' physical and mental health and labor supply during middle age. Third, having a first-born son is associated with having more children, increasing the pressure on parents.
The Hidden Consequences of Sex Selection on Labor Market Gender Gaps
Abstract: I study how sex-selective technology (SST) could change education and the income gap between men and women. Using a model of fertility preference, I find that low-educated households prefer boys, while high-educated households prefer girls. Suppose parents can choose the gender of their children according to their gender preference with affordable SST; I estimate a higher proportion of boys in low-education households and more girls in high-education households. I next incorporate the empirical evidence of intergenerational socioeconomic status mobility and predict that the widespread use of SST could help narrow the gender education and income gap.