Mariaflavia Harari

EDUCATION

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), PhD, Economics2016
Bocconi University, M.Sc. summa cum laude, Economics and Social Sciences2009
Bocconi University, B.A. summa cum laude, Economics and Social Sciences2007

Academic Positions Held

Assistant Professor of Real Estate, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 2015present

Other Publications

“The Effect of Culture on the Functioning of Institutions: Evidence from European Regions” (joint with Guido Tabellini), CESifo DICE Report 1/2009, forthcoming in Harrison, L. and E. Yasin, eds., “Culture Matters II: Focus on Russia”, New York: Lexington Books.

Mariaflavia Harari, “Conflict, Climate and Cells: a Disaggregated Analysis” (joint with Eliana La Ferrara). First version: BREAD Working Paper No. 365, November 2012. Current version: November 2016.

Abstract: We conduct a disaggregated empirical analysis of civil conflict at the subnational level in Africa over 19972011 using a new gridded dataset. We construct an original measure of agriculturerelevant shocks exploiting withinyear variation in weather and in crop growing season, and spatial variation in crop cover. Temporal and spatial spillovers in conflict are addressed through spatial econometric techniques. Negative shocks occurring during the growing season of local crops affect conflict incidence persistently, and local conflict spills over to neighboring cells.  We use our estimates to trace the dynamic response to shocks and predict how future warming may affect violence.

Mariaflavia Harari, “Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India”, 2016.

Abstract: The spatial layout of cities is an important feature of urban form, previously highlighted by urban planners but overlooked by economists. This paper investigates the economic implications of urban geometry in the context of India. I retrieve the geometric properties of urban footprints in India over time by combining a satellitederived dataset of nighttime lights with historic maps. I then propose an instrument for urban shape that combines geography with a mechanical model for city expansion: in essence, cities are predicted to expand in circles of increasing sizes, and actual city shape is predicted by obstacles within each circle. With this instrument in hand, I investigate how city shape affects the location choices of consumers and firms, in a spatial equilibrium framework á la RobackRosen. Cities with more compact shapes are characterized by larger population, lower wages, and higher housing rents, consistent with compact shape being a consumption amenity. The implied welfare cost of deteriorating city shape is estimated to be sizeable. I also attempt to shed light on policy responses to deteriorating shape. The adverse effects of unfavorable topography appear to be exacerbated by building height restrictions, and mitigated by road infrastructure.

Mariaflavia Harari (Work In Progress), “Women’s Inheritance Rights and Bargaining Power: Evidence from Kenya”, 2016.

Abstract: This paper investigates the human capital effects of a statutory law reform granting Kenyan women equal inheritance rights. I employ a differenceindifferences strategy, exploiting variation in prereform inheritance rights across religious groups. I find that a variety of human capital outcomes are affected: women exposed to the reform are more educated, both in absolute terms and relative to males; they are less likely to undergo genital mutilation and more likely to be medically assisted during childbirth; they tend to delay marriage and childbearing, and to have better marriage market outcomes. I provide robustness checks by showing that these improvements occur across ethnic groups, regardless of initial education level, and are more pronounced for women with fewer siblings, for whom the absolute inheritance share is potentially larger. There is suggestive evidence that women exposed to the reform participate more in family decisions, indicating that improved bargaining power might be the main channel. These findings suggest that legal recognition of women's inheritance rights can be beneficial for women even in a context of poor enforcement and in spite of the persistence of deeprooted social norms.

Past Courses

FNCE209 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

This course provides a broad introduction to real estate with a focus on investment and financing issues. Project evaluation, financing strategies, investment decision making and real estate capital markets are covered. No prior knowledge of the industry is required, but students are expected to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of real estate markets. Classes are conducted in a standard lecture format with discussion required. The course contains cases that help students evaluate the impact of more complex financing and capital market tools used in real estate. There are case studies and two midterms, depending on instructor.

REAL209 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

This course provides an introduction to real estate with a focus on investment and financing issues. Project evaluation, financing strategies, investment decision making and real estate capital markets are covered. No prior knowledge of the industry is required, but students are expected to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of real estate markets. Classes are conducted in a standard lecture format with discussion required. The course contains cases that help students evaluate the impact of more complex financing and capital markets tools used in real estate. There are case studies and two midterms, (depending on instructor).

Knowledge @ Wharton

• How Inheritance Rights Changed the Lives of Kenyan Women, Knowledge @ Wharton 11/23/2016
• What Urban Design Reveals about Economic Development, Knowledge @ Wharton 10/22/2015