Working Paper: NBER ID: w18466
Authors: Gabriella Conti; James J. Heckman
Abstract: This paper presents an integrated economic approach that organizes and interprets the evidence on child development. It also discusses the indicators of child well-being that are used in international comparisons. Recent evidence on child development is summarized, and policies to promote child well-being are discussed. The paper concludes with some open questions and suggestions for future research.
Keywords: Child Wellbeing; Child Development; Early Interventions; Human Capital
JEL Codes: D03; D04; I21; J13
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Disadvantaged environments (I32) | Cognitive and behavioral gaps (D91) |
| High-quality early interventions (I24) | Improved child wellbeing (I39) |
| Early capabilities (Y20) | Later life success (J26) |
| Early investments (G31) | Effectiveness of later investments (G11) |