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Parental risk preferences, maternal bargaining power, and the educational progressions of children: Lab-in-the-field evidence from rural Côte d'Ivoire

Author

Listed:
  • Arnab K. Basu
  • Ralitza Dimova
  • Monnet Gbakou
  • Romane Viennet

Abstract

We analyse the effect of parental risk preferences and a novel measure of maternal bargaining power over educational expenses—elicited via lab-in-the-field experiments in rural Côte d'Ivoire—on the educational progression of boys and girls. Data from 135 couples and their children show that the father's risk aversion is negatively associated with school attendance for boys and lowers the likelihood of transition from no schooling to primary schooling for both boys and girls.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnab K. Basu & Ralitza Dimova & Monnet Gbakou & Romane Viennet, 2022. "Parental risk preferences, maternal bargaining power, and the educational progressions of children: Lab-in-the-field evidence from rural Côte d'Ivoire," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-128, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2022-128
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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