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Returns to Education: Evidence from U.K. Twins*

* This paper has been replicated

Author

Listed:
  • Dorothe Bonjour
  • Lynn F. Cherkas
  • Jonathan E. Haskel
  • Denise D. Hawkes
  • Tim D. Spector

Abstract

We use a new sample of UK female identical twins to estimate private economic returns to education. We report findings in three areas. First, we use identical twins, to control for family effects and genetic ability bias, and the education reported by the other twin to control for schooling measurement error. Our estimates suggest a return to schooling for UK females of about 7.7%. Second, we investigate within-twin pair ability differences by examining within-twin pair and between-family correlations of education with observable correlates of ability (including birthweight, ability tests and reading scores). Our findings suggest lower ability bias in within-twin pair regressions than pooled regressions. Third, using data on twins smoking we show smoking reflects family background and using it as an instrument exacerbates ability bias.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Dorothe Bonjour & Lynn F. Cherkas & Jonathan E. Haskel & Denise D. Hawkes & Tim D. Spector, 2003. "Returns to Education: Evidence from U.K. Twins," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(5), pages 1799-1812, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:93:y:2003:i:5:p:1799-1812
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/000282803322655554
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Replication

    This item has been replicated by:
  • Vikesh Amin, 2011. "Returns to Education: Evidence from UK Twins: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 101(4), pages 1629-1635, June.

    • More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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    1. Returns to Education: Evidence from U.K. Twins (AER 2003) in ReplicationWiki

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