The Intergenerational Health Effects of Forced Displacement: Japanese American Incarceration during WWII

We study the intergenerational health consequences of forced displacement and incarceration of Japanese Americans in the US during WWII. Incarcerated mothers had babies who were less healthy at birth. This decrease in health represents a shift in the entire birthweight distribution due to exposure to prison camps. Imprisoned individuals were less likely to have children with fathers of other ethnic groups but were more likely to invest in education, and participate in the labor market. Despite these positive human capital effects, overall we find a negative effect of incarceration on intergenerational health. • WWII incarceration reduced birthweights of Japanese American babies by ∼ 81 g. • Internment shifted the entire distribution of birth weight downward for treated mothers. • Intergenerational health effects persisted despite educational gains post-war. • Exposure to camps increased low birthweight risk by 15% relative to control groups.