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Estimating Dynamic Intergenerational Mobility Via A Mixed Copula Method

Author

Listed:
  • Zongwu Cai

    (Department of Economics, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA)

  • Guannan Liu

    (School of Economics and WISE, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China)

  • Wei Long

    (Department of Economics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA)

  • Xuelong Luo

    (School of Finance, Fujian Business University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350016, China)

Abstract

Based on longitudinal PSID data, this article examines the trajectory of intergenerational mobility in the United States over the past three decades by employing a time-varying mixed copula model as outlined by Yang et al. (2022). Our findings reveal a gradual decline in intergenerational mobility, particularly in terms of permanent incomes, between parents and children over time. This heightened income inequality persists across various racial and regional demographics, although subgroup analyses unveil some heterogeneous patterns in the paths of intergenerational mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Zongwu Cai & Guannan Liu & Wei Long & Xuelong Luo, 2025. "Estimating Dynamic Intergenerational Mobility Via A Mixed Copula Method," WORKING PAPERS SERIES IN THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS 202604, University of Kansas, Department of Economics, revised Jan 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:kan:wpaper:202604
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    File URL: https://kuwpaper.ku.edu/2026Papers/202604.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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