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Child Health and the Income Gradient Evidence from China

Chen, Yi; Lei, Xiaoyan; & Zhou, Li-An. (2010). Child Health and the Income Gradient Evidence from China. Bonn: IZA.

Chen, Yi; Lei, Xiaoyan; & Zhou, Li-An. (2010). Child Health and the Income Gradient Evidence from China. Bonn: IZA.

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Though the positive income gradient of child health is well documented in developed countries, evidence from developing countries is rare. Few studies attempt to identify a causal link between family income and child health. Utilizing unique longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, we have found a positive, age-enhancing income gradient of child health, measured by height-for-age z scores. The gradient is robust to alternative specifications and a comprehensive set of controls. Using the fact that the rural tax reform implemented since 2000 created an exogenous variation in family income across regions and over time, we explore a causal explanation for the income gradient, and find that it has a very strong independent causal effect on child health.




BOOK

IZA Discussion Paper


Chen, Yi
Lei, Xiaoyan
Zhou, Li-An



2010




No 5182

Text




IZA

Bonn





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