Working Paper: NBER ID: w28193
Authors: Adriana Lleras-Muney; Flavien E. Moreau
Abstract: We propose a dynamic production function of population health and mortality from birth onwards. Our parsimonious model provides an excellent fit for the mortality and survival curves for both primate and human populations since 1816. The model sheds light on the dynamics behind many phenomena documented in the literature, including (i) the existence and evolution of mortality gradients across socio-economic statuses, (ii) non-monotonic dynamic effects of in-utero shocks, (iii) persistent or “scarring” effects of wars and (iv) mortality displacement after large temporary shocks such as extreme weather.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: I10; J11
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| early life economic and environmental factors (J19) | health outcomes later in life (I12) |
| in utero shocks (J13) | health outcomes later in life (I12) |
| early investments in health (I14) | mortality rates as individuals age (I12) |
| socioeconomic status (P36) | mortality gradients (I14) |
| age (J14) | compounding effect of socioeconomic factors on health (I14) |
| external shocks (F69) | mortality rates during adolescence (I12) |
| temporary shocks (E32) | mortality displacement (J17) |