Reproductive Behavior at the End of the World: The Effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on U.S. Fertility

Raschky, Paul; Wang, Liang Choon

doi:10.2139/ssrn.2175387

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Reproductive Behavior at the End of the World: The Effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on U.S. Fertility

13 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2012

See all articles by Paul Raschky

Paul Raschky

Monash University - Department of Economics

Liang Choon Wang

Monash University - Department of Economics

Date Written: November 13, 2012

Abstract

We exploit the timing of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the geographical variation in mortality risks individuals faced across states to analyze reproduction decisions. The results of a difference-in-differences approach show evidence that fertility increased in states that are geographically closer to Cuba and states with more military installations. The findings suggest that when facing high mortality risks, individuals might discount future at an extremely high rate and indulge in reproductive activities.

Keywords: Fertility, Mortality Risk, War

JEL Classification: J13, I120

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Raschky, Paul and Wang, Liang Choon, Reproductive Behavior at the End of the World: The Effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on U.S. Fertility (November 13, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2175387 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2175387