This paper examines the impact of family background on children’s schooling attainments. It outlines the discussion in the economic community presenting studies that give empirical evidence of several important characteristics as parents’ education, income and other environmental factors that lead to a higher level of children’s schooling. Based on a research that claims to have quantified genetic influence on schooling using data of adopted children, this paper discusses possible methodological problems arguing that the authors’ estimation seems to ignore an important intervenient variable, the age of the adopted children at adoption.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature screening
- A more detailed look at the genetic aspect
- Some comments on genes
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the influence of family background on children's educational attainment. It reviews existing economic literature, presenting empirical studies that highlight the impact of parental education, income, and environmental factors on children's schooling. The paper also critically examines a study claiming to quantify the genetic influence on schooling, focusing on potential methodological shortcomings.
- The impact of family background on children's educational attainment.
- The role of parental education and income in shaping children's educational outcomes.
- The contribution of environmental factors to educational success.
- Critical analysis of studies examining genetic influences on schooling.
- Intergenerational transmission of human capital.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract summarizes the paper's main points: examining the effect of family background on children's schooling, reviewing economic studies demonstrating the importance of parental education, income, and environment, and critically analyzing a study quantifying genetic influence while highlighting potential methodological issues related to the age of adoption.
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by discussing the importance of human capital investment, particularly for resource-scarce countries. It references Schultz's work on human capital formation and the role of human capital in new growth theory (Uzawa, Lucas). The chapter then highlights the 2000 PISA study's findings on Germany's educational performance, the correlation between parental social status and children's competence, and the underrepresentation of low socioeconomic groups in higher education. The central question addressed is whether the disparity in educational attainment between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds stems from the schooling system, social inequality, culture, income distribution, or genetic factors. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, focusing on literature review, a detailed look at genetic aspects, and discussion of findings.
Literature screening: This section provides a brief overview of several studies examining the relationship between independent variables (parental income, education, social environment, and genetic endowment) and children's educational attainment as the dependent variable. It introduces the Becker and Tomes (1986) model on intergenerational transmission of human capital, highlighting the factors they identified as influencing children's earnings. This section primarily serves to establish the existing body of research before delving into a deeper analysis of specific studies in subsequent sections.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Family background, educational attainment, human capital, intergenerational transmission, parental education, parental income, genetic influence, socioeconomic status, educational inequality, PISA study, Becker and Tomes model.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
The paper investigates the influence of family background on children's educational attainment. It explores the roles of parental education, income, and environmental factors, and critically examines the purported influence of genetics on educational success.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the impact of family background on educational attainment, the role of parental education and income, the contribution of environmental factors, a critical analysis of studies on genetic influences, and the intergenerational transmission of human capital.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured as follows: Abstract, Introduction, Literature Screening, A more detailed look at the genetic aspect, Some comments on genes, Conclusion, and References. Each section builds upon the previous one, starting with an overview and moving towards a deeper analysis of specific studies and aspects of the topic.
What does the introduction section cover?
The introduction discusses the importance of human capital investment, particularly in resource-scarce countries. It references relevant economic theories and studies, including the 2000 PISA study on Germany's educational performance, and establishes the central research question concerning the disparities in educational attainment based on socioeconomic background.
What is the focus of the "Literature Screening" section?
This section provides an overview of studies examining the relationship between parental income, education, social environment, genetic endowment, and children's educational attainment. It introduces the Becker and Tomes (1986) model on intergenerational transmission of human capital.
What aspects of genetic influence are discussed?
The paper critically examines a study claiming to quantify the genetic influence on schooling, focusing on potential methodological shortcomings. Specific details on the content of this analysis are not provided in the preview.
What are the key findings (as presented in the preview)?
The preview doesn't explicitly state key findings but highlights the importance of family background factors (parental education, income, and environment) in shaping children's educational outcomes and calls for a critical examination of the methodological rigor of studies asserting a significant genetic component.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Family background, educational attainment, human capital, intergenerational transmission, parental education, parental income, genetic influence, socioeconomic status, educational inequality, PISA study, Becker and Tomes model.
What is the intended audience of this paper?
Given the academic nature of the preview (including chapter summaries and a detailed table of contents), the intended audience appears to be academics and researchers interested in the economics of education, sociology, and related fields.
Where can I find the full paper?
The provided text is only a preview. The location of the full paper is not included in this preview.
- Quote paper
- Henner Will (Author), 2009, The Value of Family Background for Educational Attainment , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/147004
