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Inequality of Opportunity in Japan: A behavioral genetic approach

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  • YAMAGATA Shinji
  • NAKAMURO Makiko
  • INUI Tomohiko

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which the inequality of opportunity exists in Japan, using a classical twin design. Participants were 1,006 working, male twins (738 identical and 268 fraternal twins; age 20–60) recruited via a web-based survey. Participants responded to the questions of academic achievement at the ninth grade, years of education, and annual income. Univariate genetic analyses revealed that individual differences in each of the three variables are substantially influenced by the following factors: genetic (27%–35%), family environment (34%–47%), and individual-specific environment (26%–30%). Gene-environment interaction analyses revealed that genetic and environmental etiologies of education and income differ across age/cohort; for education, genetic influences are weaker and family environmental influences are stronger in the older age/cohort, whereas for income, the former is stronger and the latter is weaker for the older age/cohort. Finally, multivariate genetic analyses revealed that family environmental factors unrelated with academic achievement exert strong influences on income, in part, via education. These results suggest that inequality of opportunity exists among Japanese males even when genetic influences are controlled for. This paper discusses the need for future research on the inequality of opportunity, using a genetically informative design.

Suggested Citation

  • YAMAGATA Shinji & NAKAMURO Makiko & INUI Tomohiko, 2013. "Inequality of Opportunity in Japan: A behavioral genetic approach," Discussion papers 13097, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:13097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jo Blanden, 2013. "Cross-Country Rankings In Intergenerational Mobility: A Comparison Of Approaches From Economics And Sociology," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 38-73, February.
    2. Anh T. Le & Paul W. Miller & Wendy S. Slutske & Nicholas G. Martin, 2011. "Opportunity and Educational Outcomes in Australia," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 87(s1), pages 125-135, September.
    3. Ken Yamada, 2010. "Family Background and Economic Outcomes in Japan," Working Papers 26-2010, Singapore Management University, School of Economics.
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