MULTI-GENERATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TRANSMISSION, FAMILY CLASS, AND CHINA'S CULTURAL REVOLUTION

Abstract

We examine the role of grandfathers in the multi-generational transmission of human capital using China Family Panel Studies data, building on growing research into economic mobility spanning more than two generations. Exploiting China's land reforms and Cultural Revolution era as a natural experiment, we attempt to disentangle the relative importance of genes, family income and family culture. We find a significant association between high socio-economic status paternal grandfathers education levels and their grandchildren's educational attainment, after controlling for relevant parental variables. We hypothesize that this may largely be due more to a family culture effect from grandfathers rather than genes. Our hypothesis is supported by evidence showing a differential transmission impact through paternal and maternal grandfathers, and paternal grandfathers who live under the same roof as their extended family exerting a greater impact than those who live separately. The multi-generational transmission of advantage by the more well-off suggests a continued role for government policies that aim to equalize educational opportunities for the young.