Redistribution Without Distortion: Evidence from an Affirmative Action Programme at a Large Brazilian University

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Estevan, Fernanda; Gall, Thomas; Morin, Louis-Philippe
• 署名单位: Getulio Vargas Foundation; University of Southampton; University of Ottawa
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1111/ecoj.12578
• 发表日期: 2019
• 页码: 1182-1219
• 关键词: college enrollment; access; POLICY; earnings

摘要

We examine an innovative affirmative action policy at UNICAMP, a large and highly ranked Brazilian university, designed to enhance access for disadvantaged (public high school) applicants. The university awarded bonus points to targeted applicants in their admission exam. We assess the effect of this policy on the composition of admitted students and investigate possible behavioural responses in terms of examination preparation effort. We find that the policy significantly increased the admission probability of public high school applicants and redistributed university admission towards applicants from families with lower socio-economic status. Surprisingly, we find little evidence of behavioural reactions regarding examination preparation effort.