Sven Hartmann, a researcher at IAAEU and the University of Trier, investigates the impact of West German television on attitudes and life decisions in former East Germany.
In many areas of the GDR, West German TV programs—often featuring unmarried and childless TV characters—could be received, shaping social norms differently than in regions without access. Dr. Hartmann’s study shows that exposure to these programs led to lower marriage and birth rates, with potential long-term implications for tax revenue, and for pension and healthcare systems.
Sven Hartmann (2024), Television and family demography: Evidence from a natural experiment in East Germany, Labour Economics, 91: 102640 .
In many areas of the GDR, West German TV programs—often featuring unmarried and childless TV characters—could be received, shaping social norms differently than in regions without access. Dr. Hartmann’s study shows that exposure to these programs led to lower marriage and birth rates, with potential long-term implications for tax revenue, and for pension and healthcare systems.
Sven Hartmann (2024), Television and family demography: Evidence from a natural experiment in East Germany, Labour Economics, 91: 102640 .
