Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/316337 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
ECONtribute Discussion Paper No. 357
Publisher: 
University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Reinhard Selten Institute (RSI), Bonn and Cologne
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 noncognitive 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: 
Non-cognitive skills
Education
Wage returns
Personality
Economic preferences
JEL: 
J24
I20
I26
D91
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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