Economics
How Meritocracy Myths Perpetuate Economic Inequality Across Generations
Quick fact
Research shows that the income a child grows up in predicts their adult income almost as strongly as their own education. A child born into the top income quintile has about a 40% chance of staying there, while a child born into the bottom quintile has less than a 10% chance of reaching the top.
Why this is interesting
We often say, 'They earned it,' but how much of success is actually earned—and how much is inherited? If everyone started at the same line, would the same people win?