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How Does a Rural Poverty Alleviation Program Affect Parents’ Aspirations About Their Children? Evidence from BRAC-TUP in Bangladesh

Author

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  • Alejandro Montoya Castaño
  • Mary Arends-Kuenning

Abstract

This paper analyses the unintended effects of a randomised controlled trial in Bangladesh targeting the ultra-poor on parental occupational aspirations for their children. Because significant aspirational gaps exist between poor and wealthy households, as well as between boys and girls, this study analyses whether a graduation-type program can reduce these gaps. Because the intervention bundles different services including the transfer of a productive asset, training, coaching, and a monthly stipend, this research explores which components of the intervention might be driving changes in aspirations. Further, it analyses whether higher aspirations are linked to better educational outcomes. Using a difference-in-differences strategy, the results indicate that the intervention reduces the aspirational gaps for boys only, whereas for girls the intervention could be reinforcing traditional gender roles.

Suggested Citation

  • Alejandro Montoya Castaño & Mary Arends-Kuenning, 2026. "How Does a Rural Poverty Alleviation Program Affect Parents’ Aspirations About Their Children? Evidence from BRAC-TUP in Bangladesh," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 62(8), pages 1356-1378, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:62:y:2026:i:8:p:1356-1378
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2025.2607412
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