Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/319101 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17832
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Personality traits, preferences, and attitudes significantly influence labor market outcomes, and these non-cognitive skills are shaped by the social environment. While curriculum interventions can impact these skills, the effect of compulsory education on non-cognitive skills is less well understood. This study investigates the impact of extending compulsory education by examining educational reforms in four low- and middle-income countries. Utilizing cross-sectional data from the World Bank's 2012/2013 initiative, we analyze the within-country variation in compulsory education years. Our findings indicate that increased compulsory education decreases emotional stability, grit, hostile attribution bias, patience, and willingness to take risks, while enhancing openness to experience and alternative solution or consequential thinking.
Subjects: 
personality
wage returns
education
non-cognitive skills
economic preferences
JEL: 
J24
I20
I26
D91
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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