Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/308305 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17446
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We use the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to explore how high school peers' grit, a personality trait characterized by perseverance and passion, influences long-term outcomes. Exploiting random variation within schools across cohorts, we find that peer grit significantly increases future earnings, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We identify two key mechanisms: an increased likelihood of employment in jobs aligned with career goals and a reduced probability of feeling overwhelmed by difficulties. Additionally, peer grit leads to higher job satisfaction and asset accumulation. Thus, peer grit's effects extend beyond short-term educational performance and persist into adulthood.
Subjects: 
grit
peer effects
long-term outcomes
Add Health
JEL: 
I24
J13
J24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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