The Effect of Adolescent Experience on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Height

Nicola Persico, Andrew Postlewaite () and Dan Silverman

No 10522, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Taller workers receive a wage premium. Net of differences in family background, the disparity is similar in magnitude to the race and gender gaps. We exploit variation in an individual's height over time to explore how height affects wages. Controlling for teen height essentially eliminates the effect of adult height on wages for white males. The teen height premium is not explained by differences in resources or endowments. The teen height premium is partly mediated through participation in high school sports and clubs. We estimate the monetary benefits of a medical treatment for children that increases height.

JEL-codes: J7 J3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
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Date: 2004-05
Note: LS
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Related works:
Working Paper: The Effect of Adolescent Experience on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Height (2003)
Journal Article: The Effect of Adolescent Experience on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Height (2004)
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