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More popular because you’re older? Relative age effect on popularity among adolescents in class

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  • Danelien A E van Aalst
  • Frank van Tubergen

Abstract

Previous studies have found a significant effect of pupil’s month of birth on their school- and sports performances. The current study investigates whether this so-called relative age effect also exists in a rather unexplored domain, namely popularity among adolescents in school classes. Whereas prior studies examined relative age related to the cut-off date at primary school entry, we also study possible relative age effects regarding the age composition within pupils’ current school class. Data are from nationally-representative surveys among 14–15 year-old pupils from the Netherlands, Sweden and England. Results indicate a statistically significant positive relation of both types of relative age with popularity status in classes. The relation of past relative age is particularly strong in England, which has a system of social promotion, whereas current relative age is strong in the Netherlands, with its system of grade retention. These findings underscore the importance of education policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Danelien A E van Aalst & Frank van Tubergen, 2021. "More popular because you’re older? Relative age effect on popularity among adolescents in class," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(5), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0249336
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249336
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    3. Claire Crawford & Lorraine Dearden & Costas Meghir, 2007. "When You Are Born Matters: The Imapct of Date of Birth on Child Cognitive Outcomes in England," CEE Discussion Papers 0093, Centre for the Economics of Education, LSE.
    4. Dhuey, Elizabeth & Lipscomb, Stephen, 2008. "What makes a leader? Relative age and high school leadership," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 173-183, April.
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