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Do Poor Children Become Poor Adults? Lessons from a Cross-Country Comparison of Generational Earnings Mobility

In: Dynamics of Inequality and Poverty

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  • Miles Corak

Abstract

A cross-country comparison of generational earnings mobility is offered, and the reasons for the degree to which the long-run labour market success of children is related to that of their parents is examined. The rich countries differ significantly in the extent to which parental economic status is related to the labour market success of children in adulthood. The strength of these associations should not be interpreted as offering a target or menu for the conduct of policy. A framework for understanding the underlying causal process as well as the conception of equality of opportunity is reviewed as a guide for public policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Miles Corak, 2006. "Do Poor Children Become Poor Adults? Lessons from a Cross-Country Comparison of Generational Earnings Mobility," Research on Economic Inequality, in: Dynamics of Inequality and Poverty, pages 143-188, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:reinzz:s1049-2585(06)13006-9
    DOI: 10.1016/S1049-2585(06)13006-9
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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