Background
Intergenerational mobility examines how social positions and economic status transfer from one generation to the next. This concept is pivotal in understanding equality of opportunities within a society.
Historical Context
Intergenerational mobility has been an area of interest within sociology and economics, driven by the welfare implications of economic inequality and the allocation of opportunities based on merit rather than inherited status. Traditional societies often exhibit low mobility, while modern economies typically strive for higher levels of mobility to promote fairness and social cohesion.
Definitions and Concepts
Intergenerational mobility refers specifically to the changes in social status and economic standing seen between parents and their children. Upward mobility indicates an improvement in the child’s status compared to their parents, while downward mobility signifies a decline.
In societies where social status is heavily tied to economic standing, mobility assessments often rely on income or earnings correlations between the two generations. Higher mobility suggests a broader equality of opportunities, where one’s social and economic success is less restricted by parental status.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists primarily examined social mobility as a function of capital and labor within free markets, considering broader societal applications less often.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical models explore intergenerational mobility through human capital investments, considering factors like education, inherited wealth, and labor market opportunities.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesians focus on the role of government interventions, arguing that policy measures such as educational funding and welfare programs are crucial in enhancing equality of opportunity and boosting social mobility.
Marxian Economics
Marxian frameworks critique capitalist systems, claiming they inherently foster low intergenerational mobility due to unequal distributions of resources and power.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists look at how laws, policies, and cultural norms shape intergenerational mobility. They argue that institutions play a significant role in either promoting or hindering mobility.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists examine this mobility by investigating psychological and social factors such as cognitive biases, social aspirations, and familial support, which influence economic outcomes across generations.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians emphasize the imperfect nature of markets and argue for comprehensive social and economic policies to mitigate inequality and promote fair access to opportunities.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists assert that individual choices and entrepreneurial activities drive mobility, emphasizing minimal state intervention and the importance of market mechanisms in resource allocation.
Development Economics
Development economists prioritize intergenerational mobility in discussions about poverty alleviation and long-term economic growth, showcasing examples from both developing and developed countries.
Monetarism
Monetarism, which focuses heavily on the role of government in controlling the money supply, occasionally intersects with mobility topics when considering the broader economic policies that indirectly impact social and economic mobility.
Comparative Analysis
Countries like the Nordic nations demonstrate high intergenerational mobility, often attributed to robust education systems and comprehensive social welfare programs. Conversely, societies such as the UK and the US exhibit lower mobility, reflecting greater socioeconomic divisiveness and barriers to equal opportunities.
Case Studies
In-depth case studies often include comparative longitudinal analyses of mobility across various countries, examining the impacts of education, policy, and economic conditions over time.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Son Also Rises: Surnames and the History of Social Mobility” by Gregory Clark
- “Great Divergence?: Intergenerational Income Mobility in Japan and the United States” edited by Kentaro Yamada
- “Miles Corak’s World of Opportunity: Using Textures of Intergenerational Mobility to Articulate Human Development Differentials” by Miles Corak
Related Terms with Definitions
- Economic Inequality: The unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.
- Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder within a society.
- Human Capital: Skills, knowledge, and experiences possessed by individuals, seen as valuable for economic success.
- Occupational Mobility: Changes in occupation or career paths between generations within a family.
