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Skill Formation with Siblings

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  • Alessandro Toppeta

Abstract

This paper estimates a structural model of skill formation for children who grow up with siblings, introducing a novel variable, the "sibling bond," which captures how well siblings get along. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study in the United Kingdom, I construct this measure from information on the frequency and quality of sibling interactions, such as enjoying playtime together and teasing each other. Descriptive evidence shows that a stronger sibling bond is associated with better child outcomes during adolescence. The structural estimates are consistent with the sibling bond being a productive input in the skill formation of both younger and older siblings, alongside parent-child interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Toppeta, 2026. "Skill Formation with Siblings," CESifo Working Paper Series 12736, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12736
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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