How Much Does Income Change From One Generation to the Next?

EconoFact Chats

The United States bills itself as a land of opportunity; where economic and social advancement depend on abilities, skills, and drive, rather than the circumstances into which one is born. But is this characterization accurate? How does the U.S. compare to other countries in terms of socio-economic mobility across generations? And does the ability to change one's economic lot differ much by race, income, and national origin? Steven Durlauf of the Harris School, at the University of Chicago joins EconoFact Chats to discuss these issues, and to highlight ways policymakers can broaden opportunity for socio-economic advancement across racial and income groups in the U.S. Steven is the Director of the Stone Center for Research on Wealth, Inequality, and Mobility at the University of Chicago.