Positive externalities of congestion, human capital, and socio-economic factors: A case study of chronic illness in Japan.

yamamura, eiji (2008): Positive externalities of congestion, human capital, and socio-economic factors: A case study of chronic illness in Japan.

Abstract

This paper explores, using Japanese panel data for the years 1988-2002, how externalities from congestion and human capital influence deaths caused by chronic illnesses. Major findings through fixed effects 2SLS estimation were as follows: (1) the number of deaths were smaller in more densely-populated areas, and this tendency was more distinct for males; (2) higher human capital correlated with a decreased number of deaths, with the effect being greater in females than in males. These findings suggest that human capital and positive externalities stemming from congestion make a contribution to improving lifestyle, which is affected differently by socio-economic circumstance in males and females.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: population density, education, chronic illness
• Subjects: R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R5 - Regional Government Analysis > R58 - Regional Development Planning and Policy; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I19 - Other

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