Chris Blattman

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Why I never have to look at my job market paper ever, ever again

From the latest issue of ReStat:

The Consequences of Child Soldiering

Little is known about the impacts of military service on human capital and labor market outcomes due to an absence of data as well as sample selection: recruits are self-selected, screened, and selectively survive. We examine the case of Uganda, where rebel recruitment methods provide exogenous variation in conscription. Economic and educational impacts are widespread and persistent: schooling falls by nearly a year, skilled employment halves, and earnings drop by a third. Military service seems to be a poor substitute for schooling. Psychological distress is evident among those exposed to severe war violence and is not limited to ex-combatants.

This concludes the blatant self promotion for the month.

I am, however, currently in Gulu for the aftermath and fallout. Be careful about making policy recommendations. Someone may listen.

Why We Fight - Book Cover
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