The Consequences of Child Soldiering

Author(s): 

Christopher Blattman and Jeannie Annan

ISPS ID: 
ISPS10-036
Full citation: 
Blattman, Christopher & Jeannie Annan (2010) "The Consequences of Child Soldiering." The Review of Economics and Statistics 92(4): 882-898.
Abstract: 
Little is known about the impacts of military service on human capital and labor market outcomes due to an absence of data as well as sample selection: recruits are self-selected, screened, and selectively survive. We examine the case of Uganda, where rebel recruitment methods provide exogenous variation in conscription. Economic and educational impacts are widespread and persistent: schooling falls by nearly a year, skilled employment halves, and earnings drop by a third. Military service seems to be a poor substitute for schooling. Psychological distress is evident among those exposed to severe war violence and is not limited to ex-combatants.
Supplemental information: 

Link to article here.

Location: 
Location details: 
Uganda
Publication date: 
2010
Publication type: 
Discipline: 
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