A HUMAN CAPITAL MODEL OF THE EFFECTS OF ABILITY AND FAMILY BACKGROUND ON OPTIMAL SCHOOLING LEVELS

This paper develops a theoretical model of optimal schooling levels where ability and family background are the central explanatory variables. We derive schooling demand and supply functions based on individual wealth maximization. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 data, we stratify our sample into 1-yr full-time equivalent (FTE) work experience cohorts for 1985–1989. The estimated Mincerian "overtaking" cohort (the years of work experience at which individuals' observed earnings approximately equal what they would have been based on schooling and ability alone) corresponds to 13 FTE years of experience, yielding on average a rate of return of 10.3% and an average (optimal) 11.4 yr of schooling. ( JEL J24, J31, J22)     

TAX-RATE UNCERTAINTY, FACTOR SUPPLIES, AND WELFARE

Uncertainty about prospective changes in tax rates may increase factor supplies, and hence the tax base, permitting a reduction in tax rates that could result in a net increase in welfare. Under empirically relevant assumptions about attitudes towards risk we find that when an individual exclusively saves or works, the tax base rises in response to greater tax-rate uncertainty, so that welfare could indeed increase. However, when an individual both saves and works, the supply of the randomly taxed factor declines with increased uncertainty, implying that tax revenue and welfare decrease when the nonrandom tax rate is sufficiently low.     

LEGISLATING COMMONS: THE NAVAJO TRIBAL COUNCIL AND THE NAVAJO RANGE

The article argues that chronic overgrazing on the Navajo Reservation is the result of policies of the BIA and the Tribal Council. In support of that hypothesis the paper outlines the nature of property rights to grazing land on the Reservation. It shows that BIA and Tribal Council actions have led to the proliferation of small herds since 1933. Small herds increase the resource costs of establishing and enforcing property rights, and they increase the political costs of requiring compliance with grazing rules. Statistical tests reveal a close relationship between herd size and overstocking of the range. The paper concludes that in the absence of the constraints of a private property system, it may be necessary for an outside agency to regulate grazing to avoid the problem of the Commons.     

The Portrayal of Blacks in Magazine Advertisements: 1950-1982

This article compares the frequency and social characteristicsof blacks and whites in advertisements in Time and Ladies' HomeJournal during 1950 and 1980. The occupational level of blacksportrayed has risen considerably, and blacks are no longer presentedas maids or servants. However, white authority figures are stillfrequently shown aiding poor blacks or supervising black children.Furthermore, ads show friendly and informal social relationshipsbetween individual whites much more frequently than they showsuch relationships between whites and blacks. Finally, in anextended analysis the frequency of black ads in 1980, 1981,and 1982 is examined for Time, Newsweek and LHJ. Blacks arestill somewhat underrepresented, and recent fluctuations inthe use of black advertisements are considered. The articlebegins and ends with a discussion of three different modelsthat might account for the way blacks are presented in advertisementsin the United States.     

Education and support for dominant ideology*

Utilisant les résultats du sondage national sur la qualité de la vie de 1977, nous avons examiné les quatre hypothèses qui expliquent l'influence de l'instruction sur l'opinion publique au sujet de l'inégalitééconomique. Les hypothèses sont l'instruction, la socialisation, la reproduction, et l'investissement.
L'élément français-anglais et les différences d'âge sont examinés également. Les résultats des analyses multivariées favorisent la socialisation ainsi qu'une des versions de l'hypothèse d'investissement. Les problèmes rencontrés au cours de l'étude du concept d'une idéologie dominante et son utilité dans l'analyse du processus de légitimation au Canada, sont discutés également.
Using the Quality of Life (1977) national survey, we tested four hypotheses explaining the effects of education on people's beliefs about economic inequality. The hypotheses are enlightenment, socialization, reproduction, and investment. French-English and age differences are also examined. Results of the multivariate analyses favour the socialization and one version of the investment hypotheses. Problems in thinking about the concept of dominant ideology and its utility in analyzing legitimation processes in Canada are discussed.     

Sex Differences in Attitude Expression: A Generational Explanation

Females have consistently shown higher DK response rates thanmales in surveys. Using the 1972 Center for Political StudiesNational Election Study, this sex difference is shown to bea largely generational phenomenon which is much greater amongolder than younger respondents. It also declines at higher levelsof political knowledge and interest. Finally, using the CPS1972–76 national panel, DK response rate shows high test-retestreliability.