Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/180469 
Year of Publication: 
2018
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 11451
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Internal locus of control (LOC) is a highly beneficial non-cognitive skill, yet its long-term formation process remains poorly understood. Using British cohort data, we examine the role that fathers play in LOC maturation from childhood into middle age; a machine-learning algorithm is used to identify the most common LOC maturation types. Estimating a standard skill production function, we find that father's, but not mother's, interest in their child's education at age 10, as assessed by the child's teacher, predicts internality in middle age for female and socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Father's interest increases the probability of lifelong internality by 20%, and protects against lifelong externality. Parental engagement in children's education is a malleable factor, and thus is a promising target for public policy.
Subjects: 
non-cognitive skills
locus of control
father school involvement
lifecourse dynamics
British Cohort Study 1970
JEL: 
I12
J24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
301.72 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.