A study of eight European and North American countries comparing the life chances of children born in the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s, carried out by researchers Jo Blanden, Paul Gregg and Stephen Machin from the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Updated with addendum June 2005.
If improving intergenerational mobility is viewed as desirable, this clearly suggests that from early ages, including prior to school entry, Britain needs to adopt a strategy to equalize opportunities. This should apply at all stages of the education process, and include support during the early years, for both parents and children; policies to improve the performance of deprived children in schools; and steps to promote participation at the post-compulsory level. Such policies have the potential to enhance intergenerational mobility by ensuring greater equality of educational opportunity.