Kristina Strohmaier, University Duisburg-Essen - Culture of Opportunity: On the Origins of Intergenerational Mobility

Title: Culture of Opportunity: On the Origins of Intergenerational Mobility

Abstract:  This paper investigates whether cultural origins are an important driver of individuals' intergenerational mobility. Using an epidemiological approach with second-generation immigrants, we study this question using three distinct datasets from the US and Europe. Our findings suggest a substantial impact of culture on intergenerational mobility. Individuals with parents from less mobile origins turn out to be less mobile even if they grew up and were socialized in very similar contexts. Having origins in one of the most mobile origins, instead of one of the least mobile, reduces the intergenerational correlation by about 40 percent. Our finding that these differences already arise early in life speak for an under-aspiration mechanism. Policies aimed at improving intergenerational mobility should thus consider the role of culture in addition to institutions.

Presenter: Kristina Strohmaier, University Duisburg-Essen

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