Riassunto analitico
This thesis investigates the intriguing phenomena of the sex ratio at birth and birth seasonality, exploring their interplay and determinants. Despite decades of research on these topics, their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The study focuses on Italy, examining the period from 2019 to 2022 across all provinces. It seeks to identify potential influences on the sex ratio at birth and its associated pattern, analyzing factors such as the foreign population, stillbirth rate, maternal age, marriage incidence, and economic indicators.
The analysis begins with a graphical representation of Italy's birth distribution, revealing a peak in September and alternating troughs in February and April throughout the research period. A consistent gender imbalance is observed, with a higher incidence of male births, further evidenced by the female-to-male births ratio, which consistently falls short of reaching a 1 to 1 balance.
Econometric models incorporating time dummies and various sociodemographic and economic variables are employed to explore the explanatory power for the dependent variable—the female-to-male births ratio. While some variables associated with the nationality of foreign women consistently maintain statistical significance, the model's efficacy in explaining the variation is constrained.
The subsequent chapters delve into the global trend in the sex ratio at birth, its historical evolution, and a comprehensive literature review on recognized determinants. The data collection, organization processes, and relevant findings from descriptive statistics are outlined. The empirical strategy and econometric model results are discussed in detail.
In conclusion, the thesis acknowledges limitations, outlines key findings, and provides insights into potential policy implications and recommendations based on the complex dynamics of the sex ratio at birth and birth seasonality in Italy.
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the intriguing phenomena of the sex ratio at birth and birth seasonality, exploring their interplay and determinants. Despite decades of research on these topics, their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The study focuses on Italy, examining the period from 2019 to 2022 across all provinces. It seeks to identify potential influences on the sex ratio at birth and its associated pattern, analyzing factors such as the foreign population, stillbirth rate, maternal age, marriage incidence, and economic indicators.
The analysis begins with a graphical representation of Italy's birth distribution, revealing a peak in September and alternating troughs in February and April throughout the research period. A consistent gender imbalance is observed, with a higher incidence of male births, further evidenced by the female-to-male births ratio, which consistently falls short of reaching a 1 to 1 balance.
Econometric models incorporating time dummies and various sociodemographic and economic variables are employed to explore the explanatory power for the dependent variable—the female-to-male births ratio. While some variables associated with the nationality of foreign women consistently maintain statistical significance, the model's efficacy in explaining the variation is constrained.
The subsequent chapters delve into the global trend in the sex ratio at birth, its historical evolution, and a comprehensive literature review on recognized determinants. The data collection, organization processes, and relevant findings from descriptive statistics are outlined. The empirical strategy and econometric model results are discussed in detail.
In conclusion, the thesis acknowledges limitations, outlines key findings, and provides insights into potential policy implications and recommendations based on the complex dynamics of the sex ratio at birth and birth seasonality in Italy.
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