WHY CHILDREN STUDY, WORK OR STAY IDLE? Some Evidence from Rural Pakistan

In this study, we examine what does determine children’s decisions regarding schooling, work, and idleness in rural areas of Pakistan. In particular, we are interested in looking at the effect of children’s illness/disability on parental time allocation decisions with regard to their children. While using Pakistan Rural Households Panel Survey [PRHPS (2012)], we employ the Multinomial Logit Model in order to find the determinants of children’s activities. We find that child health is an important determinant of child time allocation. Children’s previous education and age, parental education, land ownership enhances child schooling and discourages child work/idleness. About child work, especially of girls, is significantly lower in households having educated mothers. Likewise, child disability and illness result in a decline in the likelihood for children to go to school or work. Alternatively, child disability and illness result in an increase in the likelihood of children idleness. In this regard, girls are more affected.