The Value of Early Physical Maturity to Young Adult Labor Market Outcomes

Citation

Holmes, Chanita; Tracey, Marlon; & Belasen, Ariel (2020). The Value of Early Physical Maturity to Young Adult Labor Market Outcomes. Economics & Human Biology.

Abstract

Puberty is the most important developmental milestone closely preceding a young adult’s labor market decisions. Thus, we examine the variation in the timing of physical maturity during adolescence to isolate its association with employment and hourly wages for US young adults. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data, we find an early maturity premium of about 6% for females and 8% for males, but no employment advantage, in excess of gains from height and physical attractiveness. Cognitive and personality factors significantly explain this premium for both genders, but job attributes are also important for males.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100852

Keyword(s)

physical maturity timing

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Economics & Human Biology

Author(s)

Holmes, Chanita
Tracey, Marlon
Belasen, Ariel

Year Published

2020

ISSN/ISBN

1570-677X

DOI

10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100852

Reference ID

6622