An economic rationale for public education: The value of commitment

This paper offers an explanation for the widespread phenomenon of uniform public schooling, which is viewed here as a way for the government to precommit itself to restraints on future income redistribution. Such precommitment is likely to enhance accumulation of human capital, to bolster economic growth, and, under certain circumstances, to constitute a preferred choice for a majority of voters. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.