Publication Date
8-2022
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
6-22-2022
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Science in Economics
Department
Economics
Major Advisor
Samia Islam, Ph.D.
Advisor
Michail Fragkias, Ph.D.
Advisor
Kelly Chen, Ph.D.
Abstract
Using Oklahoma as a case study, this thesis applies a synthetic controls model to investigate the causal effect of right-to-work (RTW) laws on the well-being of the total population with a particular focus on the most affected subset, blue-collar workers and the less educated. The effect of RTW laws leads to a significant decrease in the happiness of blue-collar workers. To be specific, while results show a possible increase in unhappiness in the total population immediately following the adoption of the RTW law, for the more vulnerable blue-collar workers, the statistically significant negative effect of the law on happiness is observed not only immediately after adoption but remains persistent for a decade after.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.1989.boisestate
Recommended Citation
Qualls, Tyler, "The Effect of Right-to-Work Laws on Subjective Well-Being: A Case Study of Oklahoma" (2022). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 1989.
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.1989.boisestate