Household behaviour in times of political change: Evidence from Egypt

Arbeitspapier

Using representative household survey data, we study the short-term microeconomic effects of the Egyptian revolution on household behaviour in terms of education, health expenditure and savings. We construct a new measure of political instability by analysing the number of fatalities during political protests throughout the country. Difference-in-Differences estimations show that affected households increased spending on education, especially on their sons' higher education. This can be explained by a positive outlook towards the future, with better labour market prospects. At the same time, households decreased spending on health and increased savings, which can be interpreted as precautionary behaviour.

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• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ifo Working Paper ; No. 237

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Household Saving; Personal Finance ; Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions ; Health: General ; Educational Finance; Financial Aid
• Subject: Egypt ; education ; health ; household savings ; political uncertainty

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Giesing, Yvonne ; Music, Almedina
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich
• (where): Munich
• (when): 2017

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/171159