Social Isolation and Inequality, Second Version

Abstract:     
There is an increasing interest in the concept of social exclusion and the related concept of social isolation and their potential role in understanding inequality. We examine the degree to which voluntary separation from social activities during adolescence affects adult wages. It is well-known that participation in high school athletic programs leads to higher adult wages. We present empirical evidence that this premium is not primarily due to selection on predetermined characteristics valued in the labor market.

Note: A previous version of this abstract can be found at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=536184

Keywords: Decision making, Bayesian, Behavioral Economics

JEL Classifications: D81

Working Paper Series