International Journal of Educational Development
Volume 50, 2016, Pages 1-11

Disentangling fathers' absences from household remittances in international migration: The case of educational attainment in Guatemala (Article)

Davis J.* , Brazil N.
  • a Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, 123 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516-2524, United States
  • b Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States

Abstract

Estimating the effects of international migration on left-behind children's educational attainment is complicated by the potential offsetting effects of fathers' absences and household remittances. Most research has not separated these aspects of international migration on children's human capital outcomes. We address this deficiency by using instrumental variables to isolate the effects of fathers' international migration absences from international household remittances on student enrollment and grade progression in Guatemala. Results indicate that fathers' absences and household international remittances are negatively related to enrollment, providing evidence for a culture of migration effect. For students who remain in school, household international remittances neutralize the harmful influence of fathers' absences on grade progression. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Author Keywords

Guatemala School enrollment Education Grade progression international migration remittances

Index Keywords

international migration Guatemala [Central America] migrants remittance educational attainment student human capital
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84969801269&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijedudev.2016.05.004&partnerID=40&md5=fe7888f09645e60589d8e4c51ce57c26
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2016.05.004
ISSN: 07380593
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English