Unequal rungs on a ladder of books symbolizing the challenges of social mobility in education.

Are Our Schools Really Equal? Unmasking the Myths of Meritocracy

Theo Raines in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into how family background impacts education and what it means for social mobility in the US."

The American Dream promises that anyone, regardless of their background, can climb the ladder of success through hard work and determination. Education is often touted as the great equalizer, the key to unlocking opportunities and breaking the cycle of poverty. But what if the playing field isn't as level as we think? What if your parents' educational background significantly influences your own chances of success?

A groundbreaking study by Anna Naszodi and Liliana Cuccu challenges this conventional wisdom, questioning whether high school degrees and university diplomas are truly "heritable" in the US. Their research introduces a new way to measure intergenerational mobility, revealing how much our educational achievements are tied to our parents' education levels. This isn't just about academic curiosity; it's about understanding the deep-seated inequalities that persist in our society and finding ways to create a fairer future for all.

This article delves into the key findings of their study, exploring how traditional measures of intergenerational mobility fall short and what alternative approaches can tell us about the real drivers of educational attainment. We'll uncover the hidden mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and examine the policies that can help level the playing field, ensuring that every child has a chance to succeed, regardless of their family's background.

The Illusion of Equal Opportunity: How Family Background Really Matters?

Unequal rungs on a ladder of books symbolizing the challenges of social mobility in education.

For generations, education has been promoted as the cornerstone of social mobility, promising a pathway to prosperity for those willing to work hard. However, this narrative often overlooks the significant influence of family background on a child's educational trajectory. Children from educated families typically have access to better resources, including quality schools, tutoring, and enriching extracurricular activities. They also benefit from a home environment that prioritizes learning and provides intellectual stimulation.

Naszodi and Cuccu's study sheds light on the extent to which educational attainment is influenced by intergenerational factors, revealing that the "heritability" of education is a significant barrier to social mobility. This means that children from less-educated families often face systemic disadvantages, making it harder for them to climb the educational ladder and achieve the same level of success as their more privileged peers.

Unequal Access: Disparities in school funding and resources create unequal learning environments.
Home Environment: The level of parental education influences a child's early learning experiences and academic support.
Social Capital: Well-educated families often have stronger social networks, providing access to opportunities and guidance.

The researchers highlight that traditional measures of intergenerational mobility, such as the intergenerational persistence coefficient (IGPC), often fail to capture the full picture. These measures can be skewed by factors like educational expansion, which increases overall educational attainment but doesn't necessarily address underlying inequalities. Naszodi and Cuccu propose a new measure that accounts for these variations, providing a more accurate assessment of relative intergenerational mobility.

Leveling the Playing Field: Policies for a More Equitable Future

The findings of Naszodi and Cuccu's study underscore the urgent need for policies that address the root causes of educational inequality. By acknowledging the significant impact of family background on educational attainment, we can begin to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent many children from reaching their full potential. Investing in early childhood education, improving school funding equity, and providing targeted support for disadvantaged students are crucial steps towards creating a more equitable future.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the main argument presented regarding education and social mobility in the US?

The primary argument challenges the notion that education is a complete equalizer, highlighting the significant influence of family background on educational attainment and social mobility in the US. The study by Anna Naszodi and Liliana Cuccu reveals that educational achievements are tied to parents' education levels, suggesting that systemic inequalities exist within the education system, contradicting the American Dream's promise of equal opportunity.

How does the 'heritability' of education affect social mobility, according to the research?

The 'heritability' of education, as discussed by Naszodi and Cuccu, refers to the extent to which educational success is passed down from parents to children. This has a substantial impact on social mobility. Children from less-educated families often face disadvantages that make it harder for them to achieve the same level of educational attainment as their peers from educated families. This perpetuates inequality, limiting opportunities for those from less privileged backgrounds to climb the educational ladder and improve their social standing.

What are some key factors, beyond academic ability, that contribute to educational inequality?

Beyond academic ability, several factors contribute to educational inequality. Disparities in school funding and resources create unequal learning environments. The home environment, including parental education levels and support, greatly influences early learning experiences and academic support. Moreover, the social capital of families, such as access to strong social networks, opportunities, and guidance, plays a crucial role. These factors, as highlighted in the study, collectively create systemic disadvantages that affect educational outcomes.

What are the shortcomings of traditional measures like the IGPC in assessing intergenerational mobility?

Traditional measures of intergenerational mobility, such as the intergenerational persistence coefficient (IGPC), have limitations in capturing the complete picture of educational inequality. These measures can be skewed by factors like educational expansion, which increases overall educational attainment without necessarily addressing underlying inequalities. This means that an increase in overall educational levels might be seen, but it doesn't reflect if the gap between those from different backgrounds is narrowing. This is why Naszodi and Cuccu suggest alternative methods to provide a more accurate view of relative intergenerational mobility.

What policy changes are suggested to level the playing field in education and promote a more equitable future?

The study by Naszodi and Cuccu underscores the need for policies that address the root causes of educational inequality. Recommendations include investing in early childhood education, which provides a strong foundation for children from all backgrounds. Improving school funding equity ensures that all schools have adequate resources, regardless of their location or demographics. Additionally, providing targeted support for disadvantaged students is crucial, helping them overcome systemic barriers and reach their full potential. These steps are designed to create a more equitable future where family background has less influence on educational outcomes.