How Women and Illiterates Shaped Education Outcomes in 20th Century Latin America

Abstract

Is there a direct relationship between the characteristics of the electoral franchise and outcomes in education? This paper examines how voting institutions affect school enrollment in 20th century Latin America. We find that higher levels of political competition and electoral participation engender a positive effect on total education enrollment, albeit with quiet varied results for different levels of enrollment. But not all participation is created equal. While women's suffrage increases tertiary and secondary enrollment, the enfranchisement of illiterate populations increases primary enrollment.

Keywords: Political participation, political competition, voting institutions, women’s suffrage, literacy restrictions, education

JEL Classification: D7, H11