Thesis

The moderating role of education and relationships in intergenerational income mobility

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2026
Thesis identifier
  • T17666
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202183938
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Intergenerational income mobility is an important indicator of equality of opportunity and fluidity in society. This thesis aimed to estimate intergenerational income mobility in the UK and explore potential moderators. It investigated whether intergenerational income mobility varied by gender, educational attainment and relationships with family and teachers during adolescence. Additionally, it investigated whether the moderation effect varied by gender. It achieved this using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (N=1,165). Firstly, the study estimated intergenerational income mobility in the UK, with results showing that around a third of inequality in offspring earnings were explained by inequality in parental income, even when taking account of educational attainment. It also found that intergenerational mobility did not vary meaningfully by gender and was linear across the parental income distribution. Next, the study investigated whether intergenerational income mobility varied by educational attainment. It found that intergenerational mobility was higher for those who completed a degree compared to those without a degree, although a significant intergenerational association remained for both groups. The study also found that this moderating effect of education did not vary by gender. Finally, the study explored whether intergenerational mobility was moderated by relationships with parents and teachers at age 14. Results showed that eating more frequently with family and perceiving more positive relationships with teachers at age 14 functioned as a protective buffer for the association between parental income and offspring earnings, especially for those from lower income backgrounds. This moderation effect also did not vary by gender. These findings have implications for policymakers and practitioners, demonstrating the importance of measuring intergenerational mobility and its moderators. The study discusses approaches to improving intergenerational mobility, including targeting barriers both to those in higher education and improving opportunities for those who take routes other than higher education, and also an increased focus on relationship factors with families and teachers, especially for those from lower income backgrounds.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Henderson, Marion
  • Sosu, Edward
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2025

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