An Economic Perspective on the Intergenerational Transmission of Wealth Inequality

Abstract


 
 
 
 Intergenerational transmission of wealth is a long-standing component of society. With the current accelerated economic development, the forms of wealth transmission and the ways in which it affects individuals’ lives have gradually become more complicated. In this article, we explore the economic performance and basic flow patterns of intergenerational transmission. We first discuss the key factors of personal and family wealth accumulation. We then consider how social performance affects the phenomenon of intergenerational transmission and the macro-channels of the current transmission mode. Finally, while intergenerational transmission is widespread in society, its importance has not attracted widespread attention from socioeconomic researchers and this paper makes suggestions for further study of the phenom ena. Our main conclusion is that in current society, intergenerational transmission both directly and indirectly influences the lives of members of society in multiple ways, such as through income, employment and education. If a basic understanding of the phenomenon of intergenerational transmission can be established, it will assist people in making relevant decisions more scientifically and allow them to have a fairer life experience.