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Can Conditional Cash Transfers Alter the Effectiveness of Other Human Capital Development Policies?

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  • Beuermann, Diether
  • Ramos Bonilla, Andrea
  • Stampini, Marco

Abstract

Covering the full population of applicants to the Jamaican Conditional Cash Transfer Program (PATH), we explore whether receiving PATH since childhood altered the academic gains from attending a more preferred public secondary school. To uncover causal associations, we implement a double regression discontinuity design motivated by both the PATH eligibility criteria and the centralized allocation process to public secondary schools. Among girls, receiving PATH benefits did not influence the academic gains from attending a preferred school. However, boys exposed to PATH experienced significantly lower gains from preferred school attendance with respect to comparable peers who did not receive PATH. These results highlight the relevance of considering both the direct effects of conditional cash transfers and the potential indirect effects that such policies could convey through altering the effectiveness of other related policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Beuermann, Diether & Ramos Bonilla, Andrea & Stampini, Marco, 2024. "Can Conditional Cash Transfers Alter the Effectiveness of Other Human Capital Development Policies?," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13484, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:13484
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0012881
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Academic Performance; Education; Conditional cash transfers; School Selectivity; Jamaica; human capital;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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