University of Sussex
Browse
SSRN-id1874042_(1).pdf (447.59 kB)

Papers, please! The effect of birth registration on child labor and education in early 20th century USA

Download (447.59 kB)
report
posted on 2023-06-08, 11:50 authored by Sonja FagernasSonja Fagernas
A birth certificate establishes a child's legal identity and age, but few quantitative estimates of the significance of birth registration exist. Birth registration laws were enacted by U.S. states in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Using 1910-1930 census data, this study finds that minimum working age legislation was twice as effective in reducing under-aged employment if children were born with a birth registration law, with positive implications for school attendance. Registration laws also improved the enforcement of schooling laws somewhat, but the connection is weaker. The long-term effect of registration laws was to increase educational attainment by 0.06-0.1 years.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Publisher

SSRN

Pages

52.0

Department affiliated with

  • Economics Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-06-27

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC