Following in your Father’s Footsteps? - Intergenerational Mobility and Ethnic Capital Among Second Generation Immigrants in Sweden

Abstract: In Sweden, more than twelve percent of the population are foreign-born. Their contribution to the Swedish society is important. However, since many immigrants are having problems finding suitable work, relative to their education, Swedish society is not efficient in utilising immigrants’ skills and knowledge. In this context it is interesting to see if the attained educational level, income and employment status are “inherited” to the immigrants’ children. In other word, to measure intergenerational mobility and ethnic capital among first and second generation immigrants. This study uses the theoretical framework developed by Gary Becker and George Borjas to measure the relation between second generation immigrants, their parents and ethnic belonging. The findings of the study are that second generation immigrants are influenced to a large extent by their parents and ethnicity. This is especially true among the poorest. The results of this study have some important policy implications.