Abstract
This study examines the effects of birth month on reproduction and mating behavior using historical and contemporary census data from 1820 to 1970. The research examines the effect of birth month on the number of children for women and their male spouses, finding a monthly cycle for both men and women. In addition, the study examines whether birth month influences whether a person has ever been married. In support of previous research, we find clear birth month effects on the number of children for both women and their spouses, while the time series of ever being married shows a 60-month and a 10-year cycle, the latter possibly related to the solar cycle. Although the effects are small, both results, based on a large and representative dataset, indicate the importance of early life factors on mating and reproduction.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106073 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Early Human Development |
Volume | 195 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2024 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 106018 Human biology
Keywords
- Mating
- Reproduction
- Year of birth
- Early life
- Season of birth