Requiescat in Pace? The Consequences of High Priced Funerals in South Africa

34 Pages Posted: 26 May 2009 Last revised: 26 Jun 2022

See all articles by Anne Case

Anne Case

Princeton University - Research Program in Development Studies; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Alicia Menendez

University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy

Date Written: May 2009

Abstract

We examine the costs associated with funerals and the effects of funeral spending on household functioning, using data collected in the Agincourt Demographic Surveillance Site in South Africa. We find that large outlays of money at the time of the funeral leave households vulnerable to future hardship. Households that buried a member report lower spending per person, poorer adult affect, and lower rates of school enrollment for children than do other households. We present evidence consistent with the financial burden associated with a funeral having direct, adverse effects on households.

Suggested Citation

Case, Anne and Menendez, Alicia, Requiescat in Pace? The Consequences of High Priced Funerals in South Africa (May 2009). NBER Working Paper No. w14998, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1408918

Anne Case (Contact Author)

Princeton University - Research Program in Development Studies ( email )

Woodrow Wilson School
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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Alicia Menendez

University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy ( email )

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United States