Published & Forthcoming

"Weathering the Ride: Experimental Evidence on Transport Pricing, Climate Extremes, and Future Travel Demand" with Peter Christensen and Adam Osman. Working Paper (forthcoming, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management)

Abstract: The future of travel will be characterized by changes in weather patterns and changes in transportation technology. How will these forces interact? We explore this question by utilizing a unique randomized experiment with Uber riders in Cairo, Egypt. We consider how very hot days (>35◦C/95◦F) affect transportation choices, how a sizeable price decrease (simulating a future with autonomous vehicles and access to cheaper transportation) changes travel, and how extreme weather interacts with these choices. We find that while travel will increase significantly in response to the price decrease, extreme weather dampens this effect by 26%. Individuals receiving subsidies also shift away from public transportation modes and towards private transportation modes, except when the public transit option is air-conditioned. These results provide important insights for policymakers when considering optimal travel policy for the future. 

Working Papers

"Long-Lasting Effects of Bible Translations on Literacy:  Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa" with Vinicius Okada Da Silva, M. Noelia Romero, and Rebecca Thornton.

Abstract: This paper evaluates the impact of early life exposure to Bible translations on education. To estimate causal effects and avoid issues with selection into translation, we compare educational outcomes across cohorts of individuals within language groups, with and without exposure to a Bible translation in their mother-tongue language, during their primary school years. We analyze data from a representative sample of ~77,000 adults in 13 sub-Saharan African countries using the Demographic and Health Surveys. Our difference-in-differences strategy accounts for the differential timing of Bible translations and the increase in educational outcomes over time within each language. Individuals born ten to fifteen years after the first Bible translation are 14 percentage points more likely to be literate later in life and attain 1.5 additional years of education relative to those born before translation. Effects do not vary by proximity to missions (either Catholic or Protestant), distance to a printing press, urban area, or religious faith. We provide the first causal evidence of the impact of the Bible on education. 

"Five Decades of Early Marriage in the Developing World" with Robert Jensen, M. Noelia Romero, and Rebecca Thornton. Working Paper  

Abstract: We document five decades of early marriage among women and men in 24 developing countries. Using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys, we examine trends in early marriage and the relationship between early marriage and women’s and men’s well-being, beliefs regarding domestic violence, women’s roles in the household, and views on women’s status. We find that rates of early marriage among women decreased from 40% to 30% on average from 1950 to 1995 and rates among men remained constant below 10%. Women and men who marry before 18 have less education and are younger at the birth of their first child. Women who marry before 18 report having less influence on household spending and decision-making and are more likely to view domestic and sexual violence as justified. Men who marry before 18 are more likely to justify perpetuating domestic violence. Both men and women who marry early are poorer, but there are no significant differences in working status by age of marriage.

Works in Progress

“Early Childhood Development: Cash Transfers, Information, and Parental Home Visits” with Richard Akresh, Damien de Walque, and Harounan Kazianga.

"Maternity Benefits in India: Long-Run Impacts on Children's Education."

"Rainfall, Temperature, and Conflict: Impacts on Child Marriage in South and Southeast Asia."