ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory
Genetics and the Intergenerational Transmission of SES
Friday, February 28, 2025 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Vernon Smith Hall (formerly Metropolitan Building), 5183
The ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory of the Spring 2025 semester will feature:
University of Southern California
Genetics and the Intergenerational Transmission of SES
Abstract
We study how one generation’s genetics affects the next generation’s economic prospects. Genetic data from the Dutch Lifelines Biobank are merged to annual tax records for 2006-2021 period. A parent’s genetics influences her offspring’s education, income, and wealth. These effects are relatively large when compared to the impacts on parent’s own outcomes. Effect sizes are also comparable to existing estimates of causal effects of family environment. We study the channels through which parent’s genetics influences her offspring’s SES. Genetic transmission accounts for at least 1/2 of effects on education and income but for only 1/3 of effect on net wealth.
For more information about the Seminar Series, please visit the Seminar Schedule homepage.
