This paper investigates the impact of informal microfinance groups (self-help groups, or SHGs) on children’s education and work in rural India. In 2002, 24 eligible villages were randomly selected for opening SHGs, and 12 others were randomly selected as a control group. Households were surveyed three times over a 5-year period, allowing for the study of medium-term outcomes. We find a robust and strong increase in secondary school enrollment rates over time, with intention-to-treat estimates of about 40%. This effect stems from a quicker grade progression, leading to lower dropout rates between primary and secondary school. Contrary to usual presumptions, we find no decrease in overall child labor (but a reorientation toward part-time domestic work) and no direct role of credit. By contrast, we show that social interactions within SHGs are very important.

中文翻译：

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印度农村自助团体成员中的童工和学校决定

本文调查了非正式小额信贷团体（自助团体，或 SHG）对印度农村儿童教育和工作的影响。2002年，随机抽取24个符合条件的村子开村，另外随机抽取12个村作为对照组。在 5 年内对家庭进行了 3 次调查，以便研究中期结果。我们发现随着时间的推移，中学入学率强劲而强劲地增加，意向治疗估计值约为 40%。这种影响源于更快的年级进步，从而降低了小学和中学之间的辍学率。与通常的假设相反，我们发现童工总数没有减少（但重新定位为兼职家政工作）并且信贷没有直接作用。相比之下，