Seminar Bologna Health Economics and Public Policy Evaluation

Title

Height and lifetime earnings – a genetic instrumental variable approach

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of adult height on long-term earnings using population-based data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 and novel genetic instruments for height (n = 6441). OLS estimates show a positive association between height and register-based earnings for both males and females. IV estimates based on polygenic indices indicate a positive effect for males, with magnitudes similar to observational estimates, while the effect for females is sensitive to instrument choice and generally insignificant. The results are consistent with the height premium among males reflecting a causal relationship rather than selection on unobserved characteristics.

Title

Genetic liability to depression and labour market outcomes in two generations (preliminary)

Abstract

We examine how genetic liability to depression relates to long‑term labour market outcomes in two birth cohorts: the Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986. To address endogeneity concerns and capture a broader spectrum of depression-related traits beyond clinical diagnoses, we use a polygenic risk score for depression as a predetermined measure of underlying liability. Descriptive results indicate that higher genetic liability to depression is associated with weaker labour market attachment and lower earnings, with heterogeneity by sex and generation.