Research

• Fast Internet, Women Identity and Female Genital Mutilation with Jorge García-Hombrados & Riccardo Ciacci [IZA Working Paper] [Slides] [Twitter thread] [Blog summary] -> NEW WP coming out soon!

Abstract: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is deeply ingrained in the identity of women in many societies, where it symbolizes feminine traits valued within these communities, such as purity or conformity to the community. This paper examines the impact of the expansion of fast internet, arguably a powerful catalyst for identity transformation. Using Nigeria as a case study, our findings indicate that exposure to fast internet reduces the prevalence of FGM and diminishes support for the practice, particularly among women. The results suggest that the effect is not driven by exposure to online explicit anti-FGM content. Instead, we find evidence of a broader identity transformation among women, with less stigma around promiscuous behaviors and premarital sex—stigmas that are associated with FGM in Nigeria—thereby reducing the social relevance of FGM. Specifically, we show that the expansion of fast internet increased the number of reported sexual partners, decreased age at first sex but not age at marriage, and increased the number of extra-marital relations for women. Conversely, we rule out wealth and migration as major drivers of the effect of fast internet on FGM.

• Effects of Geographic Specialization on Police Effectiveness with Andrés Barrios-Fernández & Jorge García-Hombrados  [Working Paper] (submitted)

Abstract: This paper provides causal evidence that geographic specialization can significantly enhance police effectiveness. Using rich administrative and survey data from Chile, we examine a major reform that subdivided police operational areas, e.g., municipalities, into smaller zones known as quadrants. Each municipality was divided into seven quadrants on average, with officers assigned to specialize within these areas. Exploiting the staggered implementation of the reform across municipalities, we show that this reorganization improved police effectiveness along multiple dimensions. Twelve-month victimization rates declined by 10 percentage points (36%), trust in police increased by 12 percentage points (30%), and the share of households perceiving increased criminal activity fell by 15 percentage points (36%). Consequently, household investment in private security measures decreased by 7.7 percentage points (37%). The reform transformed police work by increasing their street presence and enhancing officers’ knowledge of their assigned areas and communities.