Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/305730 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17288
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper examines the impact of fetal exposure to air pollution on low-stakes test performance across a broad age range, with a focus on gender-specific parental responses to this negative shock. Using data from a nationally representative survey in China, we find that fetal PM2.5 exposure significantly reduce cognitive ability in women, particularly those with brothers. Gender-biased human capital investment by families tends to amplify the harmful effects for girls, while diminishing these effects for boys. Specifically, when exposed to the same level of fetal PM2.5, females receive less homework assistance from their families and attain lower levels of education.
Subjects: 
air pollution
cognitive ability
fetal exposure
gender bias
parental investment
JEL: 
Q53
I24
D13
J16
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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