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Is there a Causal Effect of High School Math on Labor Market Outcomes?

Author

Listed:
  • Joensen, Juanna Schrøter

    (University of Chicago)

  • Nielsen, Helena Skyt

    (Aarhus University)

Abstract
Outsourcing of jobs to low-wage countries has increased the focus on the accumulation of skills – such as Math skills – in high-wage countries. In this paper, we exploit a high school pilot scheme to identify the causal effect of advanced high school Math on labor market outcomes. The pilot scheme reduced the costs of choosing advanced Math because it allowed for at more flexible combination of Math with other courses. We find clear evidence of a causal relationship between Math and earnings for the students who are induced to choose Math after being exposed to the pilot scheme. The effect partly stems from the fact that these students end up with higher education.

Suggested Citation

  • Joensen, Juanna Schrøter & Nielsen, Helena Skyt, 2006. "Is there a Causal Effect of High School Math on Labor Market Outcomes?," IZA Discussion Papers 2357, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp2357
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    high school curriculum; instrumental variable; local average treatment effect; Math;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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    This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

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