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Intergenerational Mobility in the Value of a Job

Author

Listed:
  • Khorunzhina, Natalia

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School)

  • Wedewer, Jesse

    (Duke University)

  • Wu, Runling

    (Duke University)

Abstract

Intergenerational mobility is usually measured in income, yet workers value job ameni-ties as well as pay. We measure intergenerational mobility in the value of a job, which reflects both amenities and pay. Using a revealed preference approach, we infer the value of each job from voluntary moves in the labor market, including job-to-job transitions and quits into nonemployment. We embed this approach in a job ladder model in which work-ers differ in preferences and job opportunities. Weekly benefit records let us distinguish quits, which reveal preferences, from layoffs, which do not. Using Danish administrative data, we document that there is 37% less intergenerational persistence in job value than in earnings: the rank-rank slope is 0.11 in job value and 0.18 in earnings. A key reason behind this gap is that the children of high-earning parents tend to hold jobs that pay more but have worse amenities. Evidence from surveys suggests that these jobs are more demanding: they involve greater competition, longer hours, and greater time pressure.

Suggested Citation

  • Khorunzhina, Natalia & Wedewer, Jesse & Wu, Runling, 2025. "Intergenerational Mobility in the Value of a Job," Working Papers 1-2026, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Economics, revised 22 Oct 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:cbsnow:2026_001
    Note: This paper supersedes an earlier working paper circulated under the title “Intergenerational Mobility in Welfare: Wages and Amenities.”
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    JEL classification:

    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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