RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rank, Sex, Drugs, and Crime
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 356
OP 381
DO 10.3368/jhr.53.2.0716-8080R
VO 53
IS 2
A1 Elsner, Benjamin
A1 Isphording, Ingo E.
YR 2018
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/53/2/356.abstract
AB 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.