Research

The Fast and the Studious? Ramadan Observance and Student Performance with Olivier Marie and Marco Musumeci (revise and resubmit at Journal of Population Economics)

Abstract: We study the impact of religious obligations conflicting with civic duties, focusing on the performance of Muslim students when Ramadan overlapped with end-of-secondary-school exams in the Netherlands. Using administrative data and a machine learning model to estimate fasting probability, we document significant declines in academic performance and pass rates, particularly among low achievers and those in religiously segregated schools. This impact longer-term outcomes, with a 22% increase in the dropout rates. We suggest scheduling exams in the afternoon, allowing students to rest in the morning, as a practical policy to limit the adverse effects of Ramadan on academic performance.

Older working papers: TI, CEPR.

Columns: ESB (in Dutch); VoxEU

Media coverage (in Dutch): Algemeen Dagblad (13 May 2023); NRC (31 August 2023); NOS Stories (1 September 2023); NRC (14 March 2024)

Short explainer video (in Dutch, with subtitles)

Minority Salience and Criminal Justice Decisions with Nadine Ketel and Olivier Marie (conditional accept at American Economic Review: Insights)

Abstract: Decision-makers can exhibit biases when they overemphasize particularly salient features under limited attention. We exploit a sudden salience shock involving individuals of Moroccan descent in the Netherlands to examine biases within the Dutch criminal justice system. Leveraging high-quality data covering arrest through appeal, we find no impact on police or prosecutor decisions but uncover a 79% increase in sentence lengths imposed by judges on salient individuals. Heterogeneity analyses suggest that judge experience can mitigate bias in these more discretionary decisions. Additionally, we document long-term costs for affected defendants, whose cumulative labor income declined by 40% in the years following conviction.

Older working papers: TI. 

Podcast episode (in Dutch): De Nieuwe Economen Podcast (12 September 2024) (available online, on Spotify and Apple podcasts)