Work

Do Parents Propagate Inequality Among Children? Evidence From Chinese and Swedish Twins

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Economists have long studied how parental behavior shapes within‐family inequality, yet empirical findings remain mixed. Using twins data from China and Sweden, we examine the predominant mechanisms reported in the literature. Parents in both countries invest similarly during childhood. Inter vivos transfers, however, differ: Chinese parents reinforce income inequality, whereas Swedish parents distribute wealth equally; the reinforcing pattern reflects exchange motives. Bequests are divided equally in both countries. Parental education plays a key role: less educated parents reinforce income inequality, whereas more educated parents transfer wealth equally. Cross‐country differences in parental education may thus help explain the mixed findings.

Source: International Economic Review

DOI: 10.1111/iere.70069

Authors: Aiday Sikhova, Sven Oskarsson, Rafael Ahlskog

Institutions: Texas Tech University, Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,570