Intergenerational Mobility Research: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

This article discusses major challenges facing intergenerational mobility research in three main domains: (1) the (dis)connection between theory and empirical applications; (2) data gaps; and (3) measurement concerns. In doing so, it highlights theoretical and empirical extensions to better describe, explain and predict complex intergenerational transmission processes in the light of new and rapid administrative data linkages, more mature survey data and other forms of big data. The article concludes with future directions for research.

Surnames in Local Newspapers and Social Mobility

“…The  University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Economics "Marco Biagi", massimo.baldini@unimore.it  University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Economics "Marco Biagi", andrea.barigazzi@unimore.it 1 We thank Giovanni Bigi of the Statistical office of the Municipality of Modena and Christian Antonietti, Kashif Riaz and Mattia Savigni for their very appreciated research assistance. 2 These types of data mainly refer to: (i) cross-sectional data with retrospective surveys on the social status of parents; (ii) panel surveys with detailed and repeated information on the social and economic status of household components followed over extended periods of time; (iii) fiscal/administrative data linking economic information between parents and children (Mooi-Reci, 2020).…”