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Sibling spillovers and free schooling

Author

Listed:
  • Ferreira, João R.
  • Sandholtz, Wayne Aaron

Abstract

We use administrative data to measure sibling spillovers on academic performance before and after the introduction of Free Secondary Education (FSE) in Tanzania. Prior to FSE, students whose older siblings narrowly passed the secondary school entrance exam were less likely to go to secondary school themselves; with FSE, the effect became positive. A triple-differences analysis, using geographic variation in FSE exposure, shows that FSE caused the reversal. Mechanism analyses suggest that changes in parental investments were a more likely channel for this reversal than direct sibling interactions. By alleviating financial constraints, FSE allowed households to invest in more children.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferreira, João R. & Sandholtz, Wayne Aaron, 2026. "Sibling spillovers and free schooling," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 138613, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:138613
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/138613/
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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