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The Importance of Family Income in the Formation and Evolution of Non-Cognitive Skills in Childhood

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  • Jason Fletcher
  • Barbara L. Wolfe

Abstract

Little is known about the relationship between family income and children’s non-cognitive (or socio-emotional) skill formation. This is an important gap, as these skills have been hypothesized to be a critical link between early outcomes and adult socioeconomic status. This paper presents new evidence of the importance of family income in the formation and evolution of children’s non-cognitive skills using a recent US panel dataset that tracks children between grades K-5. Findings suggest an important divergence in non-cognitive skills based on family income that accumulates over time and does not seem to be explained by children’s health status differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason Fletcher & Barbara L. Wolfe, 2016. "The Importance of Family Income in the Formation and Evolution of Non-Cognitive Skills in Childhood," NBER Working Papers 22168, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22168
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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