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Name-Based Estimators of Intergenerational Mobility

Author

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  • Santavirta, Torsten

    (University of Helsinki)

  • Stuhler, Jan

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

Abstract

Recent studies use names - first and surnames - to estimate intergenerational mobility in sources that lack direct family links. While generating novel evidence on intergenerational transmission processes, it remains unclear how different estimators compare and how reliable they are. This paper evaluates the most popular name-based methods, using newly digitised records from Finland and U.S. Census data. We illustrate that their interpretation depends on sampling properties of the data, such as the overlap between the parent and child samples, which differ widely across studies. We correct for the attenuation bias from limited overlap and address other common problems encountered in applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Santavirta, Torsten & Stuhler, Jan, 2024. "Name-Based Estimators of Intergenerational Mobility," IZA Discussion Papers 16725, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16725
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    Cited by:

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    2. Grebol, Ricard & Machelett, Margarita & Stuhler, Jan & Villanueva, Ernesto, 2025. "Assortative Mating, Inequality, and Rising Educational Mobility in Spain," IZA Discussion Papers 18351, IZA Network @ LISER.
    3. Del Pizzo, Andrea & Nybom, Martin & Stuhler, Jan, 2026. "Indirect Estimators of Intergenerational Mobility," IZA Discussion Papers 18641, IZA Network @ LISER.
    4. Rivadeneira, Alex & Canavire Bacarreza, Gustavo, 2026. "Attached Once, Attached Forever: The Persistent Effects of Concertaje in Ecuador," IZA Discussion Papers 18614, IZA Network @ LISER.
    5. D'Haultfoeuille, Xavier & Gaillac, Christophe & Maurel, Arnaud, 2025. "Linear Regressions with Combined Data," IZA Discussion Papers 18276, IZA Network @ LISER.
    6. Jaramillo-Echeverri, Juliana & Álvarez, Andrés, 2026. "Does ancestry shape access to education? Evidence from surnames in Colombia," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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