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Research ArticleArticle

Rank, Sex, Drugs, and Crime

Benjamin Elsner and Ingo E. Isphording
Journal of Human Resources, March 2018, 53 (2) 356-381; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.53.2.0716-8080R
Benjamin Elsner
Benjamin Elsner is Assistant Professor of Economics at University College Dublin, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) and a Research Fellow at CReAM, University College London. Ingo E. Isphording is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) in Bonn, Germany.
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  • For correspondence: [email protected]
Ingo E. Isphording
Benjamin Elsner is Assistant Professor of Economics at University College Dublin, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) and a Research Fellow at CReAM, University College London. Ingo E. Isphording is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) in Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract

We show that a student’s ordinal ability rank in a high-school cohort is an important determinant of engaging in risky behaviors. Using longitudinal data from representative U.S. high schools, we find a strong negative effect of rank on the likelihood of smoking, drinking, having unprotected sex, and engaging in physical fights. We further provide evidence that these results can be explained by sorting into peer groups and differences in career expectations. Students with a higher rank are less likely to be friends with other students who smoke and drink, while they have higher expectations towards their future educational attainment.

JEL Classification
  • I12
  • I14
  • I21
  • I24
  • Received July 2016.
  • Accepted December 2016.

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Journal of Human Resources: 53 (2)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 53, Issue 2
31 Mar 2018
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Rank, Sex, Drugs, and Crime
Benjamin Elsner, Ingo E. Isphording
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2018, 53 (2) 356-381; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.53.2.0716-8080R

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Rank, Sex, Drugs, and Crime
Benjamin Elsner, Ingo E. Isphording
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2018, 53 (2) 356-381; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.53.2.0716-8080R
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Keywords

  • I12
  • I14
  • I21
  • I24
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