We develop a simple human capital model for optimum schooling length when earnings are stochastic, and highlight the pivotal role of risk attitudes and the schooling gradient of earnings risk. We use Spanish data to document the gradient and to estimate individual response to earnings risk in...

In addition to discrimination, market power, and human capital, gender differences in risk preferences might also contribute to observed gender wage gaps. We conduct laboratory experiments in which subjects choose between a risky (in terms of exposure to unemployment) and a secure job after...

This paper looks at the joint impact of labour market risk and selection in to the labour market on returns to education. Accounting for non-employment risk leads to substantial changes in returns while wage risk has little impact. The risk- adjusted returns to both high school and college for...