Mothers, Fathers and Daughters: Intergenerational Transmission of Education in Greece

Abstract

This study explores the role of intergenerational mobility in the educational achievements of Greek women. We use data from the most recent Greek Household Budget Survey (2004/05) and from the last three Greek Censuses (1981/1991/2001). For analytical and estimation purposes we utilize decomposition analysis, mobility indicators and conventional discrete choice models. Our results point to the presence of substantial educational mobility across generations over the last 30 years. However, daughters' educational attainment still depends, albeit to a lesser extent, on parental education background and especially on the maternal one. In order to address the remaining inequalities, educational policy needs to target families with poor parental educational background, independently of their position in the wealth distribution.

Keywords: Education, intergenerational transmission, women, Greece

JEL Classification: I21, J16, J6