The long-run causal effects of single-sex schooling on work-related outcomes in South Korea

Abstract

This study explores the lasting impact of single-sex versus coeducational high schools on gender disparities in adult life in South Korea, which is a country characterized by marked gender inequality. Leveraging Seoul’s unique policy of randomly assigning students to high schools, we examine how school type influences attainment of bachelor’s degrees, working full time, and attitudes towards competition, risk taking, and working mothers. Our findings reveal that adult women in their 30s and 40s from all-girls high schools are more likely to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, work full time, enjoy competition, take risks, and hold more positive attitudes towards working mothers compared to those from coeducational high schools. The effects of all-boys schools are not statistically significant across most outcomes. Our research highlights the potential of single-sex schooling, particularly all-girls schools, to help address gender inequality in Korea. This study fills a gap in the research by looking at the long-term impacts of single-sex high-school education on six work-related outcomes and suggests that such schools can help reduce gender disparities. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms through which single-sex schooling influences these outcomes.