Intergenerational (im)mobility in a developing economy context: Is the social elevator broken?

Document Type

Article (peer-reviewed)

Publication Date

2-21-2025

Abstract

There is an extensive literature available on intergenerational social and educational mobility in developed countries, but the evidence is still scant in developing countries. In the existing literature, household background has been predicted as a significant determinant of individuals’ current and future social status because it influences almost every aspect of their lives. We examine various channels through which socioeconomic background and other household and individual characteristics affect individuals’ educational and social opportunities in a developing economy, Pakistan. To accomplish the objectives, we have used a rich dataset: the Pakistan Standards of Living Measurement (PSLM) survey 2019-20, which contains information on individuals and their real parents. The empirical analysis highlights that the level of parents’ education is more relevant than the level of parents’ occupational skills in individuals’ social and educational opportunities.

DOI

10.1007/s40822-025-00313-2

Language

English

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