Krishnan, P. and Krutikova, S.
Non-cognitive skill formation in poor neighbourhoods of urban India (updated 27-02-2012)
CWPE1010
Abstract: Recent labour market research has shown that a good education comprises investment in both cognitive and non-cognitive skills. We examine the impact of a long-term programme designed to raise non-cognitive skills of children and adolescents in slums in Bombay. We use a cross-cutting design with two comparison groups of peers for young adults who have attended the programme until leaving high school to analyse whether, compared to those from a similar environment and background, enrollment in the programme demonstrably raises such skills. We find evidence of substantial impacts on both self-esteem and self-efficacy (of about one standard deviation), as well as evidence of a smaller impact on life evaluation and aspirations. Furthermore, in line with the literature, both self-esteem and self-efficacy are positively related to success in school-leaving examinations and initial labour market outcomes.
Keywords: non-cognitive skills, programme evaluation
JEL Codes: J24 C93
Author links: Pramila Krishnan
PDF: https://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/research-files/repec/cam/pdf/cwpe1010.pdf 
Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.1129
