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Early maternity and paternity. Effects on educational trajectories

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  • Berthelon, Matías
  • Contreras, Dante
  • Kruger, Diana
  • Palma, María Isidora

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamic effects of adolescent parenthood on education enrollment in Chile using administrative data covering six cohorts born between 1990 and 1995. Employing an event study methodology, the analysis reveals substantial and persistent declines for both teen mothers and fathers in school enrollment, but more pronounced and enduring effects for mothers. Heterogeneity assessments expose socioeconomic disparities, indicating larger effects among parents from disadvantaged backgrounds. The study sheds light on the short-term dynamics of educational disruptions caused by early parenthood, offering insights for policy interventions aimed at retaining or reintegrating socioeconomically vulnerable students into the education system.

Suggested Citation

  • Berthelon, Matías & Contreras, Dante & Kruger, Diana & Palma, María Isidora, 2025. "Early maternity and paternity. Effects on educational trajectories," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:173:y:2025:i:c:s0304387824001536
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103404
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Adolescent parenthood; Teen pregnancy; High school enrollment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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