Returns to schooling in Kazakhstan: an update using a pseudo-panel approach

Abstract

AbstractThis paper represents the first attempt to employ a long series of repeated cross-sectional data from the Kazakhstani National Statistics as the pseudo-panel for estimating returns to schooling. We found the returns to be relatively high and internationally comparable. The cohort effect turned out to be negative, suggesting the interpretation of the business cycle’s impact. The gender gap in returns has additionally been revealed: while females tend to earn less, the returns are higher for them, which can likely be explained by gender differences in labor allocation across sectors and industries and, in turn, explains the higher levels of education amongst women.