Microcredit Participation and Fertility: Evidence from Bangladesh
利用1997-2005年孟加拉国家庭面板数据，研究发现小额信贷参与与生育率下降相关，其作用渠道包括提高避孕意识、降低儿童死亡率、增加创收活动时间等。
Bangladesh has experienced a significant decline in fertility in recent decades. At the same time, the country has witnessed a rapid increase in microcredit coverage. This article examines the role of microcredit in fertility decline in Bangladesh. It uses a large household-level panel dataset for the period 1997–2005 designed specifically to evaluate microcredit programmes across Bangladesh. Using a difference-in-differences framework combined with matching techniques, the article finds that access to microcredit is associated with lower recent fertility and fewer births during the study period. It also finds that the channels through which this association appears to operate include increased awareness of contraception use, a reduction in child mortality, increased time engaged in income-generating and productive activities, and reduced time available for child-rearing.