Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
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Author-Name: Luu Duc Toan Huynh
Author-X-Name-First: Luu Duc Toan
Author-X-Name-Last: Huynh
Author-Email: t.huynh@qmul.ac.uk
Author-Workplace-Name: Queen Mary University of London, School of Business and Management

Title: Regional bombs and public labour obligations

Abstract: This study examines the long-term effects of wartime experiences on individual contributions to local public labour obligations, seen as a form of self-provision of public services. Analysing data from one of the most intensive regional bombing campaigns in history during the Vietnam War and six national census waves, I identify a U-shaped pattern in the causal relationships using an instrumental variable. These findings indicate that individuals with wartime exposure initially contribute less to public labour obligations. Their contributions increase when they endure high-intensity regional bombings. This pattern is particularly evident in Northern Vietnam, rural regions, and among people born before 1975. The findings make a novel contribution to our understanding of the long-term effects of early-life adversities on public service activities.

Length: 58 pages

Creation-Date: 16 April 2026
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Publication-Status: Unpublished

Classification-JEL: E2; O5; P5; H7

Keywords: regional bombs; prosocial behaviour; public labour obligation; Vietnam

File-URL: Huynh - Regional bombs and public labour obligations.pdf

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