The Role of Families in Human Flourishing: A Conversation with James Heckman
Nobel Prize–winning University of Chicago economist James J. Heckman is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking research on early childhood, which is frequently highlighted in support of expanding early care and education programs to improve children’s outcomes. His well-known “Heckman Curve” is widely cited as showing a high return on public investment in those programs.
What is Dr. Heckman’s assessment of current proposals for providing publicly funded childcare and pre-K to all children from birth to kindergarten entry? And how does he view the role of families in children’s development? Do they, too, fit into the Heckman Curve? If so, how?
This audio first appeared at an American Enterprise Institute event held on February 25, 2021.