Why are children from affluent parents often successful themselves? Research by VU economist Sjoerd van Alten reveals that not only genetics play a role, but also the upbringing environment created by parents.
The role of genetics in intergenerational inequality
Inequality of opportunity is a topic that receives considerable social and political attention. New research by Van Alten concludes that parental genes have a significant impact on the education, income, and wealth of their children in adulthood.
What makes this research unique is the identification of two ways in which genetics influence the transfer of opportunities across generations. First, there is the direct mechanism: parents pass on genes to their children, which affect their predispositions and skills, such as cognitive abilities and personality traits. For instance, high intelligence, which is partially determined by genetics, can directly contribute to better academic performance.
Second, there is an indirect mechanism, where parental genes contribute to the environment in which children grow up. An example of this is that parents with a strong work ethic (a trait that may be partly genetic) are more likely to create a stimulating learning environment for their children, such as having a home filled with books or dedicating more time and resources to their children’s education.
Key lessons for practice
The findings of the research have significant implications for policymakers and approaches to inequality. The study demonstrates that genetics and the environment in which a person grows up are deeply interconnected. This means that policy interventions, such as improving upbringing conditions, can significantly reduce inequality of opportunity.
“While genetic factors play an important role, modifying the environment in which children grow up is a powerful tool to reduce inequality,” Van Alten emphasizes. By taking both genetics and behavioral preferences into account, policymakers can develop more effective strategies and mitigate the impact of genetic differences.