Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025

08:24
The Joint Effect of Social Comparison and Social Distance on Evaluation of Intertemporal Choice Outcomes in Event-related Potential Studies
Published on: August 25, 2023
759
The heterogeneous well-being effects of intergenerational mobility perceptions.
1University of Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Health Psychology
|July 19, 2023
Summary
People compare themselves to parents across various life aspects, influencing their perceived social mobility. Income comparison significantly impacts well-being, highlighting its importance for individual life satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Psychology
Background:
- Individual perceptions of intergenerational mobility are shaped by comparisons with parents.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific areas of comparison and their impact on well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the key areas individuals use for intergenerational comparisons.
- To investigate the relationship between these comparison areas and individuals' well-being.
Main Methods:
- A nationally representative survey of 1159 individuals in Georgia was conducted in 2021.
- An open-ended question was used to elicit comparison areas, yielding over 170 distinct responses.
- Statistical analyses, including treatment effects estimators, were employed.
Main Results:
- The areas of intergenerational comparison varied significantly based on perceived mobility (upward, downward, or immobile).
- Responses often extended beyond standard intergenerational mobility indicators.
- Income attainment emerged as a critical area of comparison.
Conclusions:
- The specific domains individuals use for intergenerational comparison are diverse and linked to their perceived social mobility.
- Comparisons related to income attainment show a consistent and significant association with validated measures of individual well-being.
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