Trends in the Intergenerational Transmission of Education among Black South Africans

Prudence Magejo (), Miracle Benhura () and Tendai Gwatidzo
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Prudence Magejo: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Miracle Benhura: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

No 8546, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This paper investigates trends in intergenerational transmission of education among black South Africans – changes in correlation between parents' and children's education. Using data for 1954-1993 birth cohorts, we find a decrease in intergenerational transmission of education over the last four decades. The decline is strongest in the lower tail of the educational distribution. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of children's education still depends on family background. Children from poor educational backgrounds face significant barriers to attaining higher levels of education while the reverse applies to those from rich backgrounds. This suggests that initiatives to weaken the intergenerational link, particularly at higher levels of education, should target the offspring of educationally deprived parents.

Keywords: intergenerational transmission; education; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I24 J62 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 21 pages
Date: 2014-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr and nep-edu
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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