Levelling the Playing Field: Inequalities in early life conditions and policy responses

The study of socio-economic inequalities in health and education is at the forefront of the economic agenda. An improved understanding of the roots of inequality, together with an increased availability of methodological tools and data, have prompted a large body of research on the topic. Even though inequalities have been studied along the life-cycle, particular attention has been paid to early childhood conditions. These early experiences shape human capital formation, future labour market outcomes, and adult health. As such, policy interventions enriching the early environments of disadvantaged children can have lasting beneficial effects on health and economic outcomes of program participants. The studies included in this dissertation evaluate different policy instruments aimed at reducing the gaps in health and education across socio-economic groups.