Hideo Akabayashi

The trade‐off between child labour and human capital formation: A Tanzanian case study

We investigate the degree to which there is a trade-off between child labour and human capital formation using time-log data of children from a Tanzanian household survey. We find that a tradeoff between hours of work and study exists, and hours of work tend to be more affected by social conditions than hours of study. Hours of work are negatively correlated to reading and mathematical skills through the reduction of human capital investment activities, indicating a trade-off between child labour and human capital. The results point up the complexity of the issue and the need for detailed time allocation data.

Can Small Class Policy Close the Gap? An Empirical Analysis of Class Size Effects in Japan

Can a smaller-class at school lead to a better educational outcome and more equality in achievement? We estimate the causal effects of class-size on achievement tests by using discontinuous changes in class-size under the Japanese public compulsory education system. We employ a value-added model using achievement test conducted at two different times during the same school year. Our results show a reduction in class-size has significant positive effects on Japanese language test scores in the sixth grade especially at schools in wealthy areas. That is, we find no evidence that a universal small-class policy closes the achievement gap among schools.