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The Intergenerational Transmission of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Abilities

Author

Listed:
  • Grönqvist, Erik

    (Institute for Labour Market Policy Evaluation (IFAU))

  • Vlachos, Jonas

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN))

  • Öckert, Björn

    (Institute for Labour Market Policy Evaluation (IFAU))

Abstract

We study the intergenerational transmission of cognitive and non-cognitive abilities between fathers and sons using population-wide enlistment data. Measurement error bias in fathers’ ability measures is corrected for using two sets of instruments. Results suggest that previous estimates of intergenerational ability correlations are biased downwards; once corrected for, the non-cognitive correlation is close to that of cognitive ability. We also predict mothers’ abilities and find the mother-son cognitive ability correlation to be stronger than the father-son correlation. Finally, educational attainment and labor market outcomes of both sons and daughters are strongly related to both parents’ cognitive and non-cognitive abilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Grönqvist, Erik & Vlachos, Jonas & Öckert, Björn, 2011. "The Intergenerational Transmission of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Abilities," Working Paper Series 884, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:0884
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Intergenerational Ability Correlations; Cognitive Ability; Non-Cognitive Ability; Measurement Error Bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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