Growing up with books increases income – Västerbotten Courier

Children who have access to books while growing up can expect a higher income as adults than children who have not had it. It is argued in a study that has included 6000 boys born in nine European countries between 1920 and 1956, published in The Economic Journal.

Some of the children in the study had access to less than ten books in the home, others lived in families with over 200 books. The children who had the opportunity to learn more were also more likely to engage in further studies. The study shows that only one year of study beyond compulsory schooling can increase the total revenue for a professional career with nine percent.