Heterogeneous Earnings Effects of the Job Corps by Gender Earnings: A Translated Quantile Approach

TL;DR

This paper investigates gender-based differences in earnings effects of the Job Corps program, revealing that disparities are linked to pre-existing gender earnings inequality rather than program effectiveness.

Contribution

It applies a translated quantile approach to uncover the mechanism behind gender heterogeneity in Job Corps earnings effects, highlighting the role of existing earnings inequality.

Findings

Gender earnings effects favor males more than females.

Heterogeneity is driven by pre-existing earnings inequality.

Method reveals mechanisms behind observed effects.

Abstract

Several studies of the Job Corps tend to nd more positive earnings effects for males than for females. This effect heterogeneity favouring males contrasts with the results of the majority of other training programmes' evaluations. Applying the translated quantile approach of Bitler, Hoynes, and Domina (2014), I investigate a potential mechanism behind the surprising findings for the Job Corps. My results provide suggestive evidence that the effect of heterogeneity by gender operates through existing gender earnings inequality rather than Job Corps trainability differences.