The Intergenerational Health Effects of Forced Displacement: Japanese American Incarceration during WWII
研究二战期间日裔美国人被强制拘禁对其后代出生体重的影响，发现被拘禁母亲所生婴儿出生体重平均减少约81克，低出生体重风险增加15%。
We study the intergenerational health consequences of forced displacement and incarceration of Japanese Americans in the US during WWII. Incarcerated mothers had babies who were less healthy at birth. This decrease in health represents a shift in the entire birthweight distribution due to exposure to prison camps. Imprisoned individuals were less likely to have children with fathers of other ethnic groups but were more likely to invest in education, and participate in the labor market. Despite these positive human capital effects, overall we find a negative effect of incarceration on intergenerational health. • WWII incarceration reduced birthweights of Japanese American babies by ∼ 81 g. • Internment shifted the entire distribution of birth weight downward for treated mothers. • Intergenerational health effects persisted despite educational gains post-war. • Exposure to camps increased low birthweight risk by 15% relative to control groups.