Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/191287 
Year of Publication: 
2018
Series/Report no.: 
ifo Working Paper No. 282
Publisher: 
ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, Munich
Abstract: 
Studies on the role of birth order in educational achievement in developing countries have yielded contradictory findings. This study uses unique and novel data on 4,362 siblings living in alternative care families in 54 countries. Results suggest negative birth order effects among biological siblings, implying inferior outcomes for laterborns. A second analysis offers reasons for why previous studies might have found contradictory results. Three sources of heterogeneity are surveyed. Extreme hardship, parental gender preferences, and tutoring between siblings are identified as moderators of birth order effects. The findings can inform development interventions by helping to prioritize individuals in highest need.
Subjects: 
Birth order
education
child outcomes
developing countries
JEL: 
I20
J13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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