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The effect of compulsory service on life satisfaction and its channels

Author

Listed:
  • Collischon, Matthias

    (FAU)

  • Eberl, Andreas

    (FAU ; IAB)

  • Jahn, Kerstin

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg, Germany ; FAU)

Abstract

"Compulsory military service is still a prominent feature of young people's careers in many countries. We use the abolition of compulsory military and civil service for males in 2011 in Germany as a natural experiment to identify effects of institutionalized career disruptions on life satisfaction. Drawing on data from the SOEP, we apply a difference-in-differences design (comparing young males and females) to assess the causal effect of this reform on individual life satisfaction. Our results show a significant and robust positive effect of the abolition of compulsory service on young males' life satisfaction. Furthermore, we provide empirical evidence that reductions in career disruptions, forgone earnings, uncertainty regarding the future, and forced labor contribute to this effect." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Suggested Citation

  • Collischon, Matthias & Eberl, Andreas & Jahn, Kerstin, 2018. "The effect of compulsory service on life satisfaction and its channels," IAB-Discussion Paper 201824, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
    • Handle: RePEc:iab:iabdpa:201824
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    File URL: https://doku.iab.de/discussionpapers/2018/dp2418.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Gert G. Wagner & Joachim R. Frick & Jürgen Schupp, 2007. "The German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) – Scope, Evolution and Enhancements," Schmollers Jahrbuch : Journal of Applied Social Science Studies / Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften, Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, vol. 127(1), pages 139-169.
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    Cited by:

    1. Max Deter, 2021. "Hartz and Minds: Happiness Effects of Reforming an Employment Agency," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1819-1838, April.

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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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