Intergenerational Educational Mobility in Iraq

This study pioneers an examination of intergenerational educational mobility in Iraq, focusing on cohorts from 1960 to 1989, and utilizing data from the second Iraq Household Socio-Economic Survey (IHSES 2012). It provides a comprehensive analysis of intergenerational educational mobility across national, subnational, and gender-specific dimensions. Our findings reveal a significant level of intergenerational educational mobility from parents to their descendants, yet indicate a discernible diminishing trend over time. We further decompose the intergenerational correlation, revealing a persistent polarization effect, wherein descendants from less educated or disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to remain disadvantaged. Notably, while educational mobility is higher between parents and sons compared to daughters, there is a marked improvement in the educational attainment of female descendants.