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Is It What You Inherited Or What You Learnt?: Intergenerational linkage and interpersonal inequality in Senegal

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  • Sylvie Lambert
  • Martin Ravallion
  • Dominique van de Walle

Abstract

Using original survey data on Senegal that include an individualized measure of consumption, we study the role played by land inheritance, other bequests and parental background as influences on an adult's economic welfare and economic activities. While intergenerational linkages are evident, we find a seemingly high degree of mobility across generations, associated with the shift from farm to non-farm sectors and the greater economic activity of women. Male-dominated bequests of land and housing bring little gain to mean consumption and play little role in explaining inequality.

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  • Sylvie Lambert & Martin Ravallion & Dominique van de Walle, 2011. "Is It What You Inherited Or What You Learnt?: Intergenerational linkage and interpersonal inequality in Senegal," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2011-062, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2011-062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Goensch, Iris, 2013. "Does the availability of secondary schools increase primary schooling? Empirical evidence from northern Senegal," Discussion Papers 63, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Center for international Development and Environmental Research (ZEU).
    2. Lépine, Aurélia & Strobl, Eric, 2013. "The Effect of Women’s Bargaining Power on Child Nutrition in Rural Senegal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 17-30.

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