Date of Graduation

Spring 5-21-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in International and Development Economics (MSIDEC)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

International and Development Economics

First Advisor

Alessandra Cassar

Abstract

Fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives may shape the social skills that determine labor market success, yet evidence from Southeast Asia remains limited. This study examines the relationship between paternal investment and soft skills used in the workforce. Using original survey and experimental data from more than 300 parents of young children in Metro Manila, Philippines, I analyze how their fathers’ past involvement during childhood, and current involvement as grandparents in childcare relate to dictator-game giving, interpersonal trust, and workplace relations. The results indicate that paternal investment is most statistically significant with improved workplace relations, specifically with participants’ reported ability to get along with coworkers. Past paternal care is positively associated with interpersonal trust for men and prosocial giving for women. These findings suggest that paternal involvement can play a role in the development of prosocial behaviors that are important to a functioning labor market. To strengthen the empirical analysis, the results are cross-examined with similar involvement from mothers, neighbors, and daycare institutions. More broadly, the study highlights the importance of family environments in the development of human capital and points to the relevance of paternal engagement in workforce readiness and long-term development outcomes.

Comments

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my faculty advisor, Professor Alessandra Cassar, for her guidance and thoughtful feedback throughout the development of this research. I am also grateful to the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC) and to my team of graduate assistants, Jurney Lajos, Viha Datt, and Claire James, for their significant contributions to the quality of this study. Financial support is acknowledged from the University of San Francisco. All research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of San Francisco, and received exemption clearance from Ateneo de Manila University based on the existing USF IRB approval.

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