Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
12-1-2015
CFDP Number
2026R2
CFDP Revision Date
2019-03-01
CFDP Pages
64
Abstract
We estimate production functions for cognition and health for children aged 1-12 in India, based on the Young Lives Survey. India has over 70 million children aged 0-5 who are at risk of developmental deficits. The inputs into the production functions include parental background, prior child cognition and health, and child investments, which are taken as endogenous. Estimation is based on a nonlinear factor model, based on multiple measurements for both inputs and child outcomes. Our results show an important effect of early health on child cognitive development, which then becomes persistent. Parental investments affect cognitive development at all ages, but more so for younger children. Investments also have an impact on health at early ages only.
Recommended Citation
Attanasio, Orazio P.; Meghir, Costas; and Nix, Emily, "Human Capital Development and Parental Investment in India" (2015). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2470.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2470