Do guns displace books? The impact of compulsory military service on educational attainment

Authors

Thomas K. Bauer, Rheinisch-Westfalisches Institut Fur Wirtschaftsforschung
Stefan Bender, Institute for Employment Research
Alfredo R. Paloyo, University of WollongongFollow
Christoph M. Schmidt, RWI Essen

RIS ID

95698

Publication Details

Bauer, T. K., Bender, S., Paloyo, A. R. & Schmidt, C. M. (2014). Do guns displace books? The impact of compulsory military service on educational attainment. Economics Letters, 124 (3), 513-515.

Abstract

To estimate the causal effect of conscription on the probability to obtain a university degree, we use a regression-discontinuity design associated with the introduction of conscription in Germany. There is evidence that conscription increased the likelihood of completing higher education.