Regional bombs and public labor obligations

This study examines the long-term effects of wartime experiences on individual contributions to local public labor obligations, seen as a form of self-provision of public services. Analyzing data from one of the most intensive regional bombing campaigns in history during the Vietnam War and six national census waves, I identify a U-shaped pattern in the causal relationships using an instrumental variable (IV). These findings indicate that individuals with wartime exposure initially contribute less to public labor obligations. Their contributions increase when they endure high-intensity regional bombings. This pattern is particularly evident in Northern Vietnam, rural regions, and among people born before 1975. The findings make a novel contribution to our understanding of the long-term effects of early-life adversities on public service activities.