How does family economic capital affect the non-cognitive ability of children in China?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cognitive ability, as the initial human capital, has been the focus of academic research for many years. However, few human capital studies have focused on non-cognitive ability and explored its socio-economic value. With the inclusion of non-cognitive ability, the human capital study has got rid of the shortcoming of single-dimensional abilities and the socio-economic value of non-cognitive ability has been gradually explored. Therefore, it is of great academic and practical significance to explore the factors influencing children’s non-cognitive ability. Using the CFPS database in 2018, this study investigates the effects and mechanisms of family economic capital on the non-cognitive ability of children. The robustness test is also used to further verify the reliability of the conclusions. The results reveal that family economic capital is significantly associated with children’s non-cognitive ability, and this effect is biased by the subject. In addition, the mediating effect model suggests that family economic capital affects children’s non-cognitive ability mainly through family education expenditure and family time investment. Therefore, helping families improve their economic capital, education expenditure and time investment contributes to promote the development of their children’s non-cognitive ability, which will effectively raise human capital stock and help China achieve economic transformation as soon as possible.