One Size Does Not Fit All: Multiple Dimensions of Ability, College Attendance, and Earnings

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Prada, Maria F.; Urzua, Sergio
• 署名单位: Inter-American Development Bank; University System of Maryland; University of Maryland College Park; National Bureau of Economic Research
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/692477
• 发表日期: 2017
• 页码: 953-991
• 关键词: labor-market; personality-traits; mechanical systems; self-selection; returns; skills; black; BEHAVIOR; models; males

摘要

This paper investigates the role of mechanical ability as a determinant of schooling decisions and labor market outcomes. Using a Roy model with multiple unobserved abilities and longitudinal data from NLSY79, we find that this ability has a positive effect on overall earnings. However, in contrast to cognitive and socioemotional abilities, mechanical ability reduces the likelihood of 4-year college attendance. The rationale for this asymmetry comes from its large estimated impact on earnings conditional on not attending a 4-year college. Our findings highlight the importance of moving beyond the one-size-fits-all discourse to offer individuals alternative educational pathways to successful careers.