Child labor and schooling decisions among self-help group members in rural India
By: Baland, J.M., Demont, T. and Somanathan, R
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Material type:
BookPublisher: Economic Development and Cultural Change Description: 69(1), Oct, 2020: p.73-105.Subject(s): Rural development - India, Self help group - india| Item type | Current location | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Indian Institute of Public Administration | Available | AR124602 |
This paper investigates the impact of informal microfinance groups (self-help groups, or SHGs) on children’s education and work in rural India. In 2002, 24 eligible villages were randomly selected for opening SHGs, and 12 others were randomly selected as a control group. Households were surveyed three times over a 5-year period, allowing for the study of medium-term outcomes. We find a robust and strong increase in secondary school enrollment rates over time, with intention-to-treat estimates of about 40%. This effect stems from a quicker grade progression, leading to lower dropout rates between primary and secondary school. Contrary to usual presumptions, we find no decrease in overall child labor (but a reorientation toward part-time domestic work) and no direct role of credit. By contrast, we show that social interactions within SHGs are very important. – Reproduced


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