How much do norms matter for quantity and quality of children?

This paper quantifies the effect of social norms, child mortality, and women’s education on fertility (quantity) and children’s education (quality) in Pakistan. Norms explain 14% of the variation in quantity and 9% of the variation in quality among the households that differ in the women’s socio-economic background. In comparison, child mortality explains 33% and 16% of the difference in quantity and quality, respectively. Variations in women’s education explain the rest. The quantity–quality trade-off weakens in the absence of norms and child mortality. Norms and child mortality also affect the cost of education and population policies. • Mothers’ education explains most of QQ variation across households in Pakistan. • Child mortality is second important factor followed by fertility norms. • QQ trade-off weakens in the absence of norms and child mortality. • Cost of policies increase in presence of norms and child mortality.