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Catholic Schools and Bad Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Mocan, Naci

    (Louisiana State University)

  • Scafidi, Benjamin

    (Georgia State University)

  • Tekin, Erdal

    (American University)

Abstract

Although there is a sizeable literature of the effect of private school attendance on academic student outcomes, there is a dearth of studies of the impact of school sector on non-academic outcomes. Using a rich data set, we analyze the impact of Catholic school attendance on the likelihood that teens use or sell drugs, commit property crime, have sex, join gangs, attempt suicide, and run away from home. Controlling for a host of personal and family background characteristics and adjusting for the endogeneity of sector choice, we cannot find evidence that Catholic schooling leads to a lower incidence of these risky behaviors among teenagers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mocan, Naci & Scafidi, Benjamin & Tekin, Erdal, 2002. "Catholic Schools and Bad Behavior," IZA Discussion Papers 599, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp599
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joseph G. Altonji & Todd E. Elder & Christopher R. Taber, 2005. "Selection on Observed and Unobserved Variables: Assessing the Effectiveness of Catholic Schools," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 113(1), pages 151-184, February.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Julie Berry Cullen & Brian A. Jacob & Steven Levitt, 2003. "The Effect of School Choice on Student Outcomes: Evidence from Randomized Lotteries," NBER Working Papers 10113, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    crime; Catholic school; bad behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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