Journal of Population Economics

, Volume 20, Issue 1, pp 223–239 | Cite as

The within-household schooling decision: a study of children in rural Andhra Pradesh

Original Paper
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Using microdata from a field survey of children in rural Andhra Pradesh, India, we estimate econometric models which aim to identify the key explanatory factors in the decision on schooling. The approach adopted is to focus on the effects of sibling competition within the household, by paying close attention to the number, age and gender of a child's siblings, while also taking account of the characteristics of the household and community. Our findings suggest that the schooling decision depends as much on the child's characteristics and position within the household, as on the circumstances in which the child lives.

Keywords

Schooling Birth order India 

JEL

C25 J13 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the managing editor and two anonymous referees for their useful comments on a previous draft. We are also grateful to Professor Ashok Parikh, Dr. Kunal Sen and Dr. Vegard Iversen for their thoughtful advice.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.JICA Pakistan OfficeIslamabadPakistan
  2. 2.School of EconomicsUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK

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