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The effect of parents’ education on the academic and non-cognitive outcomes of their children: Evidence from China

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  • Wang, Weidong
  • Dong, Yongqing
  • Liu, Xiaohong
  • Bai, Yunli
  • Zhang, Linxiu

Abstract

We use a nationally representative dataset, called China Education Panel Survey, to examine the causal effect of parental education on child educational performance and non-cognitive outcomes. Our results show that parental education plays a positive role in children’s academic performance, with the father’s education having a more pronounced impact on child academic performance than the mother’s. We also conclude that mother’s education has a greater influence on the non-cognitive outcomes of the child. The authors conclude by providing some clues as to possible mechanisms behind these findings. The results show that more educated parents have higher educational expectations for their children, and manage their children’s daily lives more stringently. Their children also engage in academic activities during their leisure time more often. Furthermore, parents with higher education levels are able to bring about stronger family relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Weidong & Dong, Yongqing & Liu, Xiaohong & Bai, Yunli & Zhang, Linxiu, 2020. "The effect of parents’ education on the academic and non-cognitive outcomes of their children: Evidence from China," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:117:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920312093
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105307
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    3. Chen, Jiwei & Zhang, Zongli, 2024. "Family poverty and adolescents’ cognitive and noncognitive outcomes: Evidence from China," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Parental education; Educational performance; Non-cognitive outcomes; Parental involvement; Middle school;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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