American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Vol. 2, Issue 1, Pages 86-115
January 2010
Abstract
We examine the role an exogenous increase in household income, due to a government transfer unrelated to household characteristics, plays in children's long-run outcomes. Children in affected households have higher levels of education in their young adulthood and a lower incidence of criminality for minor offenses. Effects differ by initial household poverty status. An additional $4,000 per year for the poorest households increases educational attainment by one year at age 21, and reduces the chances of committing a minor crime by 22 percent for 16 and 17 year olds. Our evidence suggests improved parental quality is a likely mechanism for the change.
Citation
Akee, Randall K.Q., William E. Copeland, Gordon Keeler, Adrian Angold, and E. Jane Costello. "Parents' incomes and children's outcomes: a quasi-experiment using transfer payments from casino profits." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2.1 (January 2010): 86-115.