This study investigates the impact of intergenerational mobility (IGM) on family education investment (FEI) in China. Using data from the 2015 China 1 percent Population Sample Survey and the 2018 China Family Panel Studies, the study finds a significant negative relationship between IGM and FEI. This negative effect is more pronounced among high socioeconomic status families, likely due to reduced anxiety and status-seeking behavior among these groups. The findings suggest that promoting equality of opportunity could mitigate negative educational competition and support policy initiatives like China's "Double Reduction" policy.

Nan Zhao, Wanqing Liao, Jun Xia, Zizhe Zhang