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Gritty Peers

Author

Listed:
  • Adamopoulou, Effrosyni

    (ZEW)

  • Cao, Yaming

    (ZEW)

  • Kaya, Ezgi

    (Cardiff University)

Abstract

We use the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to explore how high school peers' grit, a personality trait characterized by perseverance and passion, influences long-term outcomes. Exploiting random variation within schools across cohorts, we find that peer grit significantly increases future earnings, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We identify two key mechanisms: an increased likelihood of employment in jobs aligned with career goals and a reduced probability of feeling overwhelmed by difficulties. Additionally, peer grit leads to higher job satisfaction and asset accumulation. Thus, peer grit's effects extend beyond short-term educational performance and persist into adulthood.

Suggested Citation

  • Adamopoulou, Effrosyni & Cao, Yaming & Kaya, Ezgi, 2024. "Gritty Peers," IZA Discussion Papers 17446, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17446
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    grit; peer effects; long-term outcomes; Add Health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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