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The sticky floor and ceiling of big cities: Intergenerational mobility in urban China

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  • Guo, Ningning

Abstract

This paper investigates how city size shapes intergenerational income mobility in urban China. Using nationally representative panel data, we find that larger cities exhibit lower mobility, with disadvantaged children experiencing reduced upward mobility (a “sticky floor”) and advantaged children less prone to downward mobility (a “sticky ceiling”). We develop a theoretical framework in which city size affects human capital investment through polarized skill returns. Empirical results support this mechanism: labor market structures in large cities amplify the influence of family background, leading to greater inequality in economic outcomes across generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Ningning, 2026. "The sticky floor and ceiling of big cities: Intergenerational mobility in urban China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:246:y:2026:i:c:s0167268126001307
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2026.107544
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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