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Effects of free compulsory education on rural well‐being in China

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  • Yongwei Chen
  • Ying Zhang

Abstract

We use a regression discontinuity design to estimate the effects of free compulsory education on rural family well‐being and explore the potential mechanisms. Using data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies, we observe a decline in the well‐being of rural families that were fully exposed to this policy. Our findings are robust to various checks, including changing the window widths, functional forms, estimating methods, selected samples, and indicators of family well‐being. Analysis indicates that the education cost burden did not decline significantly as expected by the treated families, contributing to a decline in their well‐being. These findings suggest that the government should introduce the policy at the pre‐school stage. At the same time, it is urgent that the educational expenditure burden on residents be reduced.

Suggested Citation

  • Yongwei Chen & Ying Zhang, 2020. "Effects of free compulsory education on rural well‐being in China," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 34(2), pages 78-92, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:apacel:v:34:y:2020:i:2:p:78-92
    DOI: 10.1111/apel.12302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Siyu Chen & Ran Wang & Tingting Wang & Wenxian Zhou, 2022. "The Impact of Student-Teacher Policy Perception on Employment Intentions in Rural Schools for Educational Sustainable Development Based on Push–Pull Theory: An Empirical Study from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Niuniu Cui & Lei Zhang & Deshan Chen & Xiaodong Zhang & Jinsi Wei & Yao Xiao, 2026. "Alleviating Feelings of Inequality: Educational Attainment, Internet Use, and Subjective Relative Deprivation Among Persons with Disabilities in China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 181(1), pages 1-34, January.
    3. Jason Hung, 2023. "Policy-Oriented Examination of Left-Behind Children’s Health and Well-Being in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-12, March.

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