In this paper, I discuss a research agenda on the study of human capital accumulation in the early years, with a particular focus on developing countries. I discuss several methodological issues, from the use of structural models, to the importance of measurement and the development of new measurement tools. I present a conceptual framework that can be used to frame the study of human capital accumulation and view the current challenges and gaps in knowledge within such an organizing structure. I provide an example of the use of such a framework to interpret the evidence on the impacts of an early years intervention based on randomized controlled trial.
Authors
CPP Co-Director
Orazio is an International Research Fellow at the IFS, a Professor at Yale and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Journal article details
- DOI
- 10.1111/jeea.12159
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Issue
- Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2015
Suggested citation
Attanasio, O. (2015). 'The determinants of human capital formation during the early years of life: theory, measurement and policies' 13, Issue 6(2015)
More from IFS
Understand this issue
Sure Start achieved its aims, then we threw it away
15 April 2024
A mess has been made of Child Benefit, and the clear-up operation may not be easy
29 March 2024
Retirement is not always a choice that workers can afford to make
6 November 2023
Policy analysis
The past and future of UK health spending
14 May 2024
NHS spending has risen less quickly than was planned at the last election, despite the pandemic and record waiting lists
14 May 2024
Recent trends in and the outlook for health-related benefits
19 April 2024
Academic research
Forced displacement, mental health, and child development: Evidence from Rohingya refugees
10 May 2024
Leveraging edutainment and social networks to foster interethnic harmony
10 May 2024
The role of hospital networks in individual mortality
13 May 2024