Causal Essays on Development, Policy, and Human Capital Formation

This dissertation presents a comprehensive exploration of the socio-economic determinants of education outcomes. It consists of four studies. One study delves into the influence of gender dynamics within classrooms, elucidating how this factor impacts the academic and career choices of students. Another article scrutinizes the effects of infrastructure development, particularly road concession agreements, on educational attainment, revealing its positive correlation with academic performance and graduation rates. Additionally, a separate investigation delves into the repercussions of oil and gas exploration announcements on education, shedding light on the challenges posed by resource extraction activities on human capital accumulation. Together, these studies contribute valuable insights to our understanding of the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and education outcomes, informing policies aimed at fostering equitable and inclusive educational opportunities.