Study Links Older School Cohort Age to Social and Leadership Advantages
6 reported
A new research paper examines the causal effect of being the oldest within a school cohort on social capital. Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and data from Facebook, the study found that boys who are older than their classmates make 11% more friends in high school. This social advantage is associated with leadership roles, with relatively older boys 42% more likely to become class president than their relatively younger peers. The research also indicates that men who were relatively older during childhood have larger social networks in adulthood and disproportionately sort into management and entrepreneurship. The findings suggest that small age differences in peer composition can have persistent effects on social and economic outcomes. The paper is authored by Matthew Jacob of Harvard and Michael Bailey of Facebook, and was highlighted by Kevin Lewis.
What’s reported
The study uses a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and data from Facebook.
Boys who are older than their classmates make 11% more friends in high school.
Relatively older boys are 42% more likely to become class president than their relatively younger peers.
Men who were relatively older during childhood have larger social networks in adulthood.
These men disproportionately sort into management and entrepreneurship.
The paper is by Matthew Jacob of Harvard and Michael Bailey of Facebook.
Key figures
Matthew Jacob, Harvard
Michael Bailey, Facebook
Kevin Lewis (mentioned as source of the paper)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
