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Decomposing the Parental Education Gradient in Health: Lessons from a Large Sample of Adoptees

Author

Listed:
  • Evelina Björkegren
  • Mikael Lindahl
  • Mårten Palme
  • Emilia Simeonova

Abstract

We use data from a sample of adoptees born in Sweden to study to what extent the association between parental educational attainments and adult health of the child can be attributed to pre- or postbirth factors. We find significant and similarly sized associations between the educational attainment of both adoptive and biological parents and children’s adult health outcomes. This suggests that growing up in a more educated household has long-term effects on health. However, the magnitude of these associations is roughly 50% smaller than the corresponding estimates obtained from children raised by their biological parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Evelina Björkegren & Mikael Lindahl & Mårten Palme & Emilia Simeonova, 2026. "Decomposing the Parental Education Gradient in Health: Lessons from a Large Sample of Adoptees," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 44(2), pages 383-412.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/733050
    DOI: 10.1086/733050
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