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If Not Now, When? The Timing of Childbirth and Labour Market Outcomes

Author

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  • Picchio, Matteo

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

  • Pigini, Claudia

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

  • Staffolani, Stefano

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

  • Verashchagina, Alina

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

Abstract
We study the effect of childbirth and its timing on female labour market outcomes in Italy. The impact on yearly labour earnings and participation is traced up to 21 years since school completion by estimating a factor analytic model with dynamic selection into treatments. We find that childbearing, especially the first delivery, negatively affects female labour supply. Women having their first child soon after school completion are able to catch up with childless women only after 12–15 years. The timing matters, with minimal negative consequences observed if the first child is delayed up to 7–9 years after exiting formal education.

Suggested Citation

  • Picchio, Matteo & Pigini, Claudia & Staffolani, Stefano & Verashchagina, Alina, 2018. "If Not Now, When? The Timing of Childbirth and Labour Market Outcomes," IZA Discussion Papers 11270, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11270
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    4. Emanuela Ghignoni & Francesco Pastore, 2023. "The gender wage gap in Egypt: public versus private sector," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 44(8), pages 1511-1534, May.
    5. Cäcilia Lipowski & Ralf A. Wilke & Bertrand Koebel, 2022. "Fertility, economic incentives and individual heterogeneity: Register data‐based evidence from France and Germany," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 185(S2), pages 515-546, December.
    6. Debora Di Gioacchino & Emanuela Ghignoni & Alina Verashchagina, 2020. "To be or not to be a (good) mother: Life-long decisions of women in Italy," Working Papers in Public Economics 193, University of Rome La Sapienza, Department of Economics and Law.
    7. Barbieri, Teresa & Bavaro, Michele & Cirillo, Valeria, 2024. "Trapped in the care burden: occupational downward mobility of Italian couples after childbirth," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1475, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    8. Debora Di Gioacchino & Emanuela Ghignoni & Alina Verashchagina, 2019. "Le scelte di fertilit? e la durata della maternit? in Italia: vincoli economici e norme sociali," QUADERNI DI ECONOMIA DEL LAVORO, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2019(110), pages 93-110.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dynamic treatment effect; discrete choice models; fertility; female labour supply; factor analytic model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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