ECON 329 Family, Neighborhood and Intergenerational Mobility

Despite a widespread desire to provide equality of opportunity to all people in the United States, family background has an enormous effect on the way children grow up and the opportunities available to them in adulthood. Family income can explain more than a third of a child’s future adult income, and all aspects of family background can explain half to two thirds of a child’s future income, education, and wealth. In this class, we will explore economic theories and evidence explaining the inheritance of advantage, with a particular emphasis on understanding the role of the family, the role of neighborhoods and communities, and the role of discrimination. We will also discuss the role of public policy in increasing intergenerational mobility and reducing social and economic disadvantages, both in the United States and around the world.