Intergenerational Transmission of Maternal Employment and Daughters' Career Paths: Evidence From the 2021 Family Structure Survey

Abstract

The study investigates the intergenerational transmission of maternal employment to daughters’ employment outcomes using data from the 2021 Family Structure Survey. The results of estimations based on a linear probability model (LPM) and a probit model indicate a positive link between maternal employment and daughters’ employment. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression results demonstrate that mothers working as salaried workers increases the probability of daughters to work as salaried workers. Similarly, mothers who have been employed as unpaid family workers transmit this employment status to their daughters. This pattern is consistent for mothers who have held positions as day laborers, employers, or have been self-employed, as they also influence their daughters’ employment in similar roles. The estimation findings also highlight the significant impact of higher education on the likelihood of daughters becoming salaried workers, indicating that higher levels of education substantially contribute to this outcome. The study provides valuable evidence into the intergenerational influence of maternal employment on daughters’ career paths.