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The Causal Component in the Intergenerational Transmission of Income

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  • Monique De Haan
  • Magnus Stubhaug

Abstract

We apply a partial identification analysis using comprehensive Norwegian register data to investigate the causal effect of father’s income on child income. We find a strong association between the incomes of fathers and children. The causal effect, however, equals at least 1% and at most 51% of this observed association. Additionally, we find substantial differences in the intergenerational association and bounds around the causal effect between sons and daughters when considering individual incomes. When examining joint income with their partners, the results are more aligned, indicating that assortative mating plays a key role in intergenerational income transmission, particularly for daughters.

Suggested Citation

  • Monique De Haan & Magnus Stubhaug, 2024. "The Causal Component in the Intergenerational Transmission of Income," CESifo Working Paper Series 11395, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11395
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    intergenerational income transmission; partial identification; intergenerational mobility; nonparametric bounds;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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