Intergenerational (im)mobility in Pakistan : is the social elevator broken?

There is a large literature on intergenerational social and educational mobility in developed countries, but the evidence in developing countries is still scant In the current literature, household background has been predicted as a significant determinant of individuals' current and future social status because it influences almost every aspect of their liv es . W e examine various channels through which household socio economic background and other household and individual characteristics affect individuals' educational and social opportunities in a developing economy , Pakistan. To accomplish the objectives, we have used a rich dataset: the Pakistan Standards of Living Measurement (PSLM) survey 2019 20, which contains information on individuals and their real parents. The empirical analysis highlights that the level of parents' education is more relevant than the level of parents' occupation skills in individuals' social and educational opportuni ties. In addition, household wealth, region and province of reside nce, migration status, and disabilities are also significant predictors of intergenerational mobilities in Pakistan. Our results narrate an unequal and dual labour market in Pakistan. Based on empirical outcomes, the study has offered suitable policy implications for developing economies and Pakistan in particular.