How Socioemotional Support Affects Education Decisions in Rural China: An Application of "Delphi–Propensity Score Matching"

• In Event: 75.061 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 75.061-5 - Evaluating Programs for At-Risk Youth

Abstract

This study develops a sequential mixed model of Delphi–Propensity Score Matching to discuss how a NGO’s socioemotional support affects the decisions of dropout, work, and two types of high school in rural China. Data were collected from 6298 students in 2012 after a subgroup of them were treated. The analysis shows that socioemotional support affects education decision by boosting educational aspiration, though the impact fades gradually. It also confirms that educational aspiration beats traditional factors like academic performance and socioeconomic status in the decision process. Further data exploration points out such impact probably results from the students’ attempt of copying the track of service providers, who are mostly college or graduate students, after building trust on them.

Author

• Haogen Yao, UNICEF