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Does Compulsory Schooling Affect Innovation? Evidence from the United States

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  • Corey A. DeAngelis
  • Angela K. Dills

Abstract

Objective U.S. states adopted compulsory schooling laws between 1852 and 1929. This is the first study to empirically test the historical relationship between the adoption of state‐level compulsory schooling laws and measures of innovation and entrepreneurship such as the number of patents per capita and output per worker. Methods We use difference‐in‐difference and event study methods to estimate the effects of these laws. Results Our results suggest that the adoption of compulsory schooling in the United States reduced patents per capita and output per worker over time. Conclusion Compulsory schooling laws may have reduced innovation and productivity by reducing home education in favor of formal schooling or by changing the nature of formal schooling.

Suggested Citation

  • Corey A. DeAngelis & Angela K. Dills, 2020. "Does Compulsory Schooling Affect Innovation? Evidence from the United States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 101(5), pages 1728-1742, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:101:y:2020:i:5:p:1728-1742
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12832
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Pankaj C. Patel, 2024. "Saved by the bell? The effects of compulsory schooling laws on self-employment and earnings in Australia," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 227-296, January.
    3. Bablu Kumar Dhar & Jakhongir Shaturaev & Khayrilla Kurbonov & Rajabov Nazirjon, 2023. "The causal nexus between innovation and economic growth: An OECD study," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(4), pages 395-405, July.

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