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Can Superstition Create a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? School Outcomes of Dragon Children in China

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  • Naci Mocan
  • Han Yu

Abstract

In China, those who have a dragon zodiac sign are believed to be destined for greatness. We find that if Chinese students are born in a dragon year, they are more likely to have a college degree and receive higher university entrance exam scores. Similarly, Chinese middle school dragon students have higher test scores. The “dragon effect” on test scores is eliminated when we account for parents’ expectations of their children. Dragon parents have higher expectations, and they invest more in their children. Although dragon children are not inherently different, the belief in the prophecy of success and the ensuing investment become self-fulfilling.

Suggested Citation

  • Naci Mocan & Han Yu, 2020. "Can Superstition Create a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? School Outcomes of Dragon Children in China," Journal of Human Capital, University of Chicago Press, vol. 14(4), pages 485-534.
  • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jhucap:doi:10.1086/712476
    DOI: 10.1086/712476
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Yang & Yang, Yaowu, 2022. "New “useless education theory”: Highly educated parents' expectations for their children's education—Evidence from the one-child policy," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    2. Sun, Shengmin & Chen, Jiawei & Chen, Jiaying, 2023. "Cohort crowding in education and employment: Evidence from China's compulsory education law," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 391-411.
    3. Andy L. Chou, 2022. "Fortunes and misfortunes of the dragon sons: Direct and cohort effects of superstition on education attainment," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 75(4), pages 564-579, November.

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