Where STEM graduates stem from: The intergenerational transmission of comparative skill advantages

Eric Hanushek, Babs Jacobs, Guido Schwerdt, Rolf van der Velden, Stan Vermeulen, Simon Wiederhold

Research output: Non-textual / digital / web - outputsWeb publication/siteAcademic

Abstract

Furthering STEM education is a policy objective in many countries, but programmes aiming to improve students’ maths skills often discount the comparative advantage imparted by families. This column uses Dutch survey and registry data to study the intergenerational transmission of comparative skill advantage. Parents’ maths skills are linked to the maths skills of their children, and students’ choices of STEM fields are influenced by family skill transmission. Because the intergenerational transmission of skills is malleable through the education system, policies that change children’s skills today will spillover to future generations.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherVOX CEPR's policy portal
Media of outputOnline
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jun 2023

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