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The Determinants of Participation in a Social Program: Evidence from a Prototypical Job Training Program

Author

Listed:
  • James J. Heckman

    (University of Chicago)

  • Jeffrey A. Smith

    (University of Maryland)

Abstract
This article decomposes the participation process of a prototypical program into eligibility, awareness, application, acceptance, and enrollment. With this decomposition, we determine the sources of unequal participation for different groups and demonstrate that variables often have very different effects at different stages in the participation process. Our analysis shows that personal choices substantially affect participation and that awareness of program eligibility is a major source of variation in participation.

Suggested Citation

  • James J. Heckman & Jeffrey A. Smith, 2004. "The Determinants of Participation in a Social Program: Evidence from a Prototypical Job Training Program," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 22(2), pages 243-298, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:v:22:y:2004:i:2:p:243-298
    DOI: 10.1086/381250
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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