Abstract.Day4.Ho

The Quality-Quantity Trade-Off in Education: Comparing Education Transfers and Fertility in Asia and Europe

Mei Jing Serene Ho and Poh Lin Jennifer Tan

This paper investigates the differences in the quality-quantity trade-off in Asia and Europe by examining variations in education transfers. Using NTA education expenditure data, we analyze each country's public and private education transfers relative to their labor income and Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Preliminary exploration reveals that East Asian countries allocate larger proportions to private education transfers and have experienced a more pronounced decline in TFR compared to their European counterparts. to understand these regional differences in private education transfers, we incorporate data from the World Values Survey to explore societal norms toward education in these regions and their impact on educational transfers and TFR. Ultimately, the study underscores how the quantity-quality trade-off manifests across societies, with choices often leading to fewer children or no children at all.