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Increasing returns to education and the impact on social capital

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  • Gareth D. Leeves

Abstract

The returns to education have been increasing. It is suggested that high-skilled workers' social capital investment has been adversely affected by the increasing incentives to devote human capital to career development. Lower social capital is linked to reduced economic growth and innovation and higher transaction costs and is detrimental to individual well-being. We find evidence to suggest there is an increasing opportunity cost associated with greater levels of social capital investment for high-skilled workers, especially those with more demands on their time. These results provide support for increased availability of work flexibility policies that can improve the work-life balance.

Suggested Citation

  • Gareth D. Leeves, 2014. "Increasing returns to education and the impact on social capital," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(5), pages 449-470, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:22:y:2014:i:5:p:449-470
    DOI: 10.1080/09645292.2012.660133
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    2. Richard P.C. Brown & Gareth Leeves & Nichola Kitson & Prabha Prayaga, 2015. "Give and Take or Give and Give: Charitable Giving in Migrant Households," Discussion Papers Series 547, School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia.

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