In their influential working paper, Juhn, Rubinstein, and Zuppann (2015) analyzed how family size affects the development of cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Their research used detailed mother-child data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, offering new insights into the quantity-quality trade-off in parental investment and its implications for child outcomes.
Background
The relationship between family size and child development has long been a topic of interest in economics and psychology. Previous studies suggested that larger family sizes might dilute resources, reducing the attention and support each child receives. Juhn et al. (2015) expanded on this framework by employing advanced econometric methods, such as twins as an instrumental variable, to account for omitted variable bias and provide more robust findings.
Key Insights
- The Quantity-Quality Trade-Off: The study found that larger family sizes are associated with reduced parental investment, lower cognitive abilities in children, and increased behavioral problems. These effects highlight the trade-offs families face when allocating resources across multiple children.
- Gender Differences: The impact of family size varied by gender. Girls experienced stronger negative effects on cognitive outcomes, while boys showed greater susceptibility to behavioral challenges.
- Parental Characteristics Matter: Children born to mothers with lower Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores faced more pronounced negative effects, particularly on cognitive abilities. This finding underscores the importance of maternal education and cognitive resources in shaping child outcomes.
Significance
These findings have significant implications for policymakers and educators. By illustrating how family size influences child development, the study provides a basis for interventions aimed at mitigating the potential disadvantages associated with larger families. Programs that support parents in low-resource environments or provide targeted educational opportunities for children may help offset these challenges.
Future Directions
Further research could build on this work by exploring additional variables that influence the quantity-quality trade-off, such as cultural factors or access to external resources like childcare and education. Longitudinal studies that follow children into adulthood may also shed light on the lasting effects of family size on socioeconomic outcomes.
Conclusion
Juhn, Rubinstein, and Zuppann’s (2015) research offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between family size and child development. Their findings emphasize the role of both parental investment and external factors in shaping cognitive and behavioral outcomes. By addressing these issues, society can work toward creating environments where all children have the opportunity to thrive.
Reference
Juhn, C., Rubinstein, Y., & Zuppann, C. A. (2015). The Quantity-Quality Trade-off and the Formation of Cognitive and Non-cognitive Skills. NBER Working Papers, 21824. National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. https://ideas.repec.org/p/nbr/nberwo/21824.html
