American Economic Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
Inclusive Teaching: Spotting Social Isolation in the Classroom
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
(pp. 1–31)
Abstract
We evaluate an intervention aimed at addressing social isolation in classrooms. The treatment provides teachers with their students' social networks and information on developmental risks associated with social exclusion. Using friendship data and incentive-compatible measures, we find that the intervention reduces social isolation and antisocial behavior but does not increase prosocial behavior. Lower antisocial behavior enhances economic efficiency, reflected in higher average student payoffs and reduced inequality. Our findings highlight the personal and communal benefits of addressing social exclusion and antisocial peer dynamics in schools.Citation
Alan, Sule, Michela Carlana, and Marinella Leone. 2026. "Inclusive Teaching: Spotting Social Isolation in the Classroom." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 18 (4): 1–31. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20250089Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
- I21 Analysis of Education
- I24 Education and Inequality
- I28 Education: Government Policy
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- Z13 Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification