Parental religiosity, educational attainment, and gender equality

Abstract

This study examines how parental religiosity influences children’s education. Using Turkish census data for primary-school completion outcomes of individuals born in 1924-1984 and withinyear variations in fasting duration across provinces as a proxy, I find that a 30-minute increase in daily fasting during the enrollment year reduces primary school completion by 0.37 to 0.80 percentage points, with stronger effects for females. These results are not driven by income or teachers’ beliefs. Cumulative exposure to Ramadan before school enrollment confirms these findings. Parental religiosity has consequences for gendered outcomes, including fertility and labor market participation.