Working Paper: NBER ID: w2334
Authors: Gary Solon; Mary Corcoran; Roger Gordon; Deborah Laren
Abstract: Many previous studies have used sibling correlations to measure the effect of family background on earnings, income? and occupational status. This paper uses data on a sample of sisters to explore the importance of family background as a determinant of welfare program participation. The results show a strikingly high degree of sibling resemblance in welfare receipt. For example, a woman's estimated probability of having participated in welfare programs is .20 if her sister has not participated, but is -.66 if her sister has participated.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: No JEL codes provided
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sister's participation status (I24) | Woman's probability of participating in welfare programs (I38) |
| Family background (J12) | Sister's participation status (I24) |
| Family background (J12) | Woman's probability of participating in welfare programs (I38) |
| Race (J15) | Woman's probability of participating in welfare programs (I38) |
| Parents' welfare receipt (I38) | Woman's probability of participating in welfare programs (I38) |