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

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.

Note: Previous versions of this abstract can be found at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=293122 and http://ssrn.com/abstract=480645

Keywords: Confidence, Optimism, Behavioral Economics

JEL Classification: D81, D83

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Persico, Nicola G. and Postlewaite, Andrew and Silverman, Dan, The Effect of Adolescent Experience on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Height, Third Version (March 15, 2004). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=531442 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.531442

Nicola G. Persico

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics ( email )

Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science
133 South 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6297
United States

Andrew Postlewaite (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics ( email )

Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science
133 South 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6297
United States
215-898-7350 (Phone)
215-573-2057 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.econ.upenn.edu/~apostlew