Working Paper
An Economic Rationale for Public Education: The Value of Commitment
Mark Gradstein
CESifo, Munich, 1999
CESifo Working Paper No. 209
CESifo, Munich, 1999
CESifo Working Paper No. 209
This paper offers an explanation for the widespread phenomenon of uniform public schooling, which is viewed here as a way for the government to precommit itself to restraints on future income redistribution. Such precommitment is likely to enhance accumulation of human capital, to bolster economic growth, and, under certain circumstances, to constitu te a preferred choice for a majority of voters.
Keywords: Public Education, Human Capital Accumulation, Commitment