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Crises and Educational Attainment

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  • Janas, Pawel

Abstract

Between 1910 and 1940, U.S. high school graduation rates rose five-fold, driving twentieth-century economic growth. I explore how the Great Depression’s surge in youth unemployment influenced this trend, emphasizing gender and socioeconomic disparities. Using linked census data and newly digitized city-level unemployment rates, I find that youth unemployment significantly increased high school and post-secondary completion among higher-income boys, while effects on girls and lower-income youths were negligible. These results underscore the role of household resources in leveraging educational opportunities, as financial constraints limited disadvantaged groups from benefiting from reduced opportunity costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Janas, Pawel, 2026. "Crises and Educational Attainment," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 86(2), pages 501-536, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:86:y:2026:i:2:p:501-536_6
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