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Happier with Vocational Education?

Author

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  • Brunello, Giorgio

    (University of Padova)

Abstract

Using Italian data, I study the relationship between vocational education and self-reported happiness by focusing on individuals with at least a five-years high school degree, either vocational or academic. My instrumental variable strategy shows that individuals who have completed a vocational high school are more likely to report a high level of happiness than individuals who have completed an academic degree. I find no clear evidence that vocational graduates have a lower probability to be employed or earn lower wages than other graduates. I show that they live more than other graduates in small towns, where prices are lower and social life more rewarding, and have a less privileged parental background. Both facts may lead to more moderate aspirations and therefore contribute to higher happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Brunello, Giorgio, 2020. "Happier with Vocational Education?," IZA Discussion Papers 13739, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13739
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Eiji Yamamura, 2021. "Where do I rank? Am I happy?: learning income position and subjective-wellbeing in an internet experiment," Papers 2107.11185, arXiv.org.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    happiness; vocational education; Italy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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