Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/57963 
Year of Publication: 
2012
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 3815
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
Previous estimates of inequality of opportunity (IOp) are lower bounds because of the unobservability of the full set of endowed characteristics beyond the sphere of individual responsibility. Knowing the true size of unfair IOp, however, is important for the acceptance of (some) inequality and the design of redistributive policies as underestimating the true amount of IOp might lead to too little redistribution. This paper is the first to suggest an upper bound estimator. We illustrate our approach by comparing Germany and the US based on harmonized micro data. We find significant, sizeable and robust differences between lower and upper bound estimates - both for gross and net earnings based on either periodical or permanent income - for both countries. We discuss the cross-country differences and (surprising) similarities in IOp in the light of differences in social mobility and persistence.
Subjects: 
equality of opportunity
earnings inequality
mobility
circumstances
family background
redistribution
JEL: 
D63
H20
J62
J70
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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