A multigenerational view of inequality.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Population Studies

Background:

• Current research on intergenerational mobility predominantly uses a two-generation (parent-to-offspring) model.
• This narrow focus overlooks the significant impact of grandparents, ancestors, and extended kin on social inequality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the limitations of the traditional two-generation model in understanding intergenerational social mobility.
• To advocate for a more comprehensive, multigenerational approach in population research.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing literature on intergenerational mobility and family influence.
• Identification of social institutions and demographic processes contributing to multigenerational influence.

Main Results:

• The two-generation model omits crucial sources of intergenerational continuity in social inequality.
• Social institutions and demographic processes (fertility, survival, migration, marriage) facilitate multigenerational influence.
• Multigenerational effects are evident across the social hierarchy, particularly at the extremes.

Conclusions:

• Future research must adopt a multigenerational framework to accurately capture social reproduction.
• Studies should integrate demographic and socioeconomic reproduction, moving beyond co-resident nuclear families.
• A broader view is essential for understanding the persistence of family-based social inequality.