Race/Ethnic and Sex Differences in the Effects of College Degrees on Health Behaviors

• In Event: 435 - Section on Sociology of Education Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 03. Health and Education

Abstract

Prior research has established that gaining more education generally improves health and well-being. Yet, the education-health relationship differs across race/ethnicity and sex. This study examines the conditionality of this relationship for one aspect of the education-health relationship: college degrees and health behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical activity, and nutrition. College degrees may exhibit “conditional reproduction” if groups of historical advantage receive the greatest benefits or these degrees may show “conditional leveling” if groups of historical disadvantage have greater benefits. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and propensity score matching, this study estimates causal effects of college degrees on health behaviors for a nationally representative cohort that has recently reached adulthood. College degrees are associated with healthier behaviors for men and women of all race/ethnic groups, and generally indicate positive causal effects. Results indicate heterogeneity across race/ethnicity and sex in health behavior rates, unadjusted associations, and adjusted causal estimates. Overall, White men and women demonstrate the strongest, most consistent benefits of college degrees for health behavior outcomes. Findings support the assertion that college degrees’ effects are conditional and strengthen historical advantages. Future research should consider a more nuanced conceptualization of the education-health relationship.

Author

• Elizabeth Lawrence, University of Colorado