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Troubled in school: does maternal involvement matter for adolescents?

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  • Jonathan Norris

    (Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde)

  • Martijn van Hasselt

    (Department of Economics, University of North Carolina, Greensboro)

Abstract

We estimate the causal effect of mother’s involvement on the amount of trouble an adolescent experiences in school. We use multiple measures of school-trouble and factor analysis to construct a composite and then link this composite with non-cognitive skills. Our measure of mother’s involvement encompasses discussing school-related matters and providing help with school projects. Using an instrumental variable constructed from a suitably chosen peer group, our main finding is that an increase in maternal involvement leads to a significant decrease in school trouble. We find this result to be robust across a large number of sensitivity tests designed to account for possible selection effects, shocks at the peer group level, and further potential violations of the exclusion restriction. Additionally, we present evidence suggesting that the effect of maternal involvement may operate through its effect on adolescents’ college aspirations, mental health, and the perception of parental warmth.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Norris & Martijn van Hasselt, 2019. "Troubled in school: does maternal involvement matter for adolescents?," Working Papers 1906, University of Strathclyde Business School, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:str:wpaper:1906
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    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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