Abstract

Recent behavioral research shows that childhood adversity is associated with reduced somatic investment, accelerated reproduction, and increased risk aversion in both humans and nonhuman animals. These behavioral consequences can have profound effects on people's life trajectories and, consequently, on societal dynamics. In this talk, I will focus on the social gradient in access to higher education. Young people from the top income decile are nearly three times more likely to have access to higher education than those from the bottom decile. The gap is identical in France and the United States, despite very different university systems and incentive structures (high-tuition, high-aid vs. low-tuition, low-aid model). I will suggest that part of the gap is due to the uncertainties of higher education (uncertainties about costs, uncertainties about the likelihood of graduation, uncertainties about social inclusion), and that these uncertainties loom larger for underpriviledged youths. Finally, I will emphasize the importance of considering the behavioral variability associated with adverse environments and its implications for public policy and inequalities in higher education.

Reference

Coralie Chevallier (Sciences Po LIEPP), “The social gradient in time and risk preferences and its implications for access to higher education”, IAST General Seminar, Toulouse: IAST, June 6, 2023, 11:30–12:30, room Auditorium 4 (First floor - TSE Building).