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Long-term effects of early-life education intervention on children’s outcomes: Evidence from school consolidation in rural China

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  • Chen, Anqi
  • Li, Yongyou

Abstract

Government commitment to early-life education intervention has contributed to human capital accumulation and economic growth in developing countries. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, we investigate the effects of the primary school consolidation program on children’s cognitive development and behavioral performance. Using a cohort difference-in-differences model, we find that rural children who experienced school consolidation performed better in cognitive tests and had higher levels of openness of the Big Five personality traits, but lower levels of extraversion. Further analysis suggests that early-life education intervention generates long-term effects. Those who experienced school consolidation had higher educational attainment, better occupational fit, and more consistent independent learning, but difficulties in interpersonal interaction. Our findings imply that early-life education intervention should pay more attention to the cultivation of socio-emotional abilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Anqi & Li, Yongyou, 2024. "Long-term effects of early-life education intervention on children’s outcomes: Evidence from school consolidation in rural China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:93:y:2024:i:c:s1049007824000460
    DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2024.101751
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Early education; Human capital; School consolidation; Cognitive abilities; Non-cognitive abilities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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