May 30, 2024 1:00 PM
Title: Empirical Essays on Education and Fragility
Committee members: Todd Pugatch, Alison Johnston, Paul Thompson, Patrick Emerson, Jennifer Alix-Garcia
Abstract: This dissertation includes three articles that examine the impact of policy interventions on education and fragility topics in Afghanistan and the US. The first article assesses the effectiveness of affirmative action in reducing gender disparities in higher education in Afghan public universities, providing crucial insights into the effectiveness of gender quotas for improving women’s educational access in low- and middle-income countries. The second article examines the impact of transitioning to a four-day school week on juvenile crime in the United States, highlighting significant changes in crime rates, notably an increase in property and violent crimes among juveniles in non-rural areas and larger law enforcement agencies, while observing a decrease in drug and alcohol-related crimes during school hours. The third article assesses the immediate impacts of peace negotiations in Afghanistan, assessing that high-stakes negotiations can influence local violence and stability. These studies explain the complex effects of policy decisions on educational access, juvenile crime, and peace processes.