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Peer Networks and Malleability of Educational Aspirations

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  • Michelle Gonz'alez Amador
  • Robin Cowan
  • Eleonora Nillesen

Abstract

Continuing education beyond the compulsory years of schooling is one of the most important choices an adolescent has to make. Higher education is associated with a host of social and economic benefits both for the person and its community. Today, there is ample evidence that educational aspirations are an important determinant of said choice. We implement a multilevel, networked experiment in 45 Mexican high schools and provide evidence of the malleability of educational aspirations. We also show there exists an interdependence of students' choices and the effect of our intervention with peer networks. We find that a video intervention, which combines role models and information about returns to education is successful in updating students' beliefs and consequently educational aspirations.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Gonz'alez Amador & Robin Cowan & Eleonora Nillesen, 2022. "Peer Networks and Malleability of Educational Aspirations," Papers 2209.08340, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2209.08340
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A21 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Pre-college
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I29 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Other

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