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Inequality in Child Academic Achievement in Single Parent Households: Evidence from Brazil

Author

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  • Andrew W. Horowitz

    (Department of Economics, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas)

  • Andre Portela Souza

    (Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University and Department of Economics, University of Sao Paulo)

Abstract

In this paper we compare the intra-household dispersion of children�s education achievement in single female-parent households with two-parent households. We find significantly more dispersion across children in households� headed by females after controlling for household per-capita permanent income and other anticipated correlates. These results are robust and suggest that single-female parents are forced to alter the distribution as well as the level of household investment in children. Our empirical analysis is preceded by development of a theoretical model that suggests the correlation between the intra-household dispersion of academic achievement and single-parenthood may be general; i.e., not specific to Brazil. These results may have important policy implications for the interventions and incentives that target single parent households.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew W. Horowitz & Andre Portela Souza, 2004. "Inequality in Child Academic Achievement in Single Parent Households: Evidence from Brazil," Vanderbilt University Department of Economics Working Papers 0425, Vanderbilt University Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:van:wpaper:0425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human capital distribution; intra-household allocation; single-parent household;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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