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Determinants of Children’s Economic Aspirations and Implications for Their Well-being

Author

Listed:
  • Martín Leites

    (Universidad de la República (Uruguay). Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y de Administración. Instituto de Economía)

  • Rodrigo Nicolau

    (Universidad de la República (Uruguay). Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y de Administración. Instituto de Economía)

  • Gonzalo Salas

    (Universidad de la República (Uruguay). Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y de Administración. Instituto de Economía)

Abstract

In this study, we examine the determinants of children’s economic aspiration. Drawing on microdata from Estudio Longitudinal del Bienestar en Uruguay, we explore alternative measures of economic aspirations. Then, we address three fundamental components of children’s aspiration window: (i) parental economic aspirations, (ii) family socioeconomic background, and (iii) parents´ peer. Finally, we test the presence of aspiration failures and their implications for well-being. Our results confirm that parents’ aspirations are the key driver of children’s economic aspirations. Peers’ parents and their beliefs influence only the aspirations of children from low-income families. Higher aspirations reduce short-term well-being but enhance outcomes between generations, providing insights into aspiration-driven behaviors and the persistence of inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Martín Leites & Rodrigo Nicolau & Gonzalo Salas, 2025. "Determinants of Children’s Economic Aspirations and Implications for Their Well-being," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 25-23, Instituto de Economía - IECON.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulr:wpaper:dt-23-25
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12008/52392
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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