The Effects of the Indonesian Financial Crisis On Children’s Later Life Outcomes

Author (Your Name)

Lori T. Ayanian, Colby College

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Colby Access Only)

Department

Colby College. Economics Dept.

Advisor(s)

Daniel LaFave

Second Advisor

Michael Donihue

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of the East Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 on children by analyzing data from The Indonesian Family Life Survey. I focus specifically on children born right before or during the financial crisis and how it affected their later life outcomes of health, cognition, and education. This research examines the societal, rather than the direct economic, impact of the crisis. I also aim to determine how long these societal effects of the financial crisis lasted and whether consequences of the crisis continued to impact Indonesia nearly ten years later in 2007. I find that cognition and education are not negatively affected in the long run, but there are long term health implications based on child general health rating, height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age. The findings are important to assess the comprehensive impact of a financial crisis and how children can be protected during such times.

Comments

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Keywords

Indonesia, finance, health, children

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