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Childhood neighbors matter

Education
United States
Started January 18, 2026

We explore the role of immediate next door neighbors in affecting children’s later life occupation choice. Using linked historical census records for over 6 million boys and 4 million girls, we reconstruct neighborhood microgeography to estimate how growing up next door to someone in a particular occupation affects a child’s probability of working in that […] The post Childhood neighbors matter appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION. Related StoriesGrade inflation sentences to ponderGrowth Exp...

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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 18, 2026
Focusing too much on neighbor influence might divert attention from systemic issues like inequality that also affect children's career paths.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 18, 2026
While neighbors can impact children's career choices, socioeconomic factors and education systems are more critical in shaping future opportunities.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 18, 2026
Encouraging diverse neighborhoods can empower children by exposing them to a wider range of occupational possibilities and aspirations.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 18, 2026
The influence of neighbors on children's career choices is overstated; individual ambition and personal circumstances play a more significant role.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 18, 2026
Children who grow up next to neighbors in stable jobs are more likely to aspire to similar careers, highlighting the importance of positive role models.
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