The intergenerational transmission of maternal human capital and the gender gap in educational attainment

• Published in: Economics letters Vol. 111; no. 3; pp. 226 - 229
• Main Author: Dussaillant, Francisca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Series: Economics Letters
• Subjects: Capital productivity; Economic models; Educational attainment; Gender; Gender differentiation; Gender education gap; Gender education gap Intergenerational transmission of human capital Maternal education; Human capital; Intergenerational relations; Intergenerational transmission of human capital; Level of education; Maternal education; Mothers; Studies; Gender education gap; J2; Maternal education; I2; Intergenerational transmission of human capital; D1; E2
• ISSN: 0165-1765; 1873-7374
• DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2011.02.002

An intergenerational effect of maternal (and not paternal) human capital on offspring's human capital production is a mechanism that induces males and females to attain different education levels. This mechanism allows for explanations of the reversal in the gender education gap. ► The mechanism: intergenerational transmission of maternal human capital. ► It only comes from mothers, who are also the ones who spend time raising children. ► An asymmetry arises that leads to differential male and female education decisions. ► A model using this mechanism explains positive or negative gender education gaps .► More altruism, fewer children or less required child-rearing time explain gap reversal.