Migration and Human Capital Formation: Theory and Evidence From the U.S. High School Movement

Author/Editor:

Rodney Ramcharan

Publication Date:

July 1, 2002

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

In 1910, 12 percent of American 14-17 year olds were enrolled in high school; by 1930, enrollment had increased to 50 percent; enrollment in Britain was 12 percent in 1950. This paper argues that by increasing the skill premium, the massive inflows of European unskilled immigrants at the turn of the twentieth century engendered America's sharp rise in human capital investment. The increased enrollments raised the supply of schools, leading to continued schooling investment. Cross section evidence and a VAR analysis of the time series data support the hypothesized role of immigration in generating the high school movement.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2002/123

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

July 1, 2002

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451854626/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1232002

Pages:

39

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