The Spillover Effect of Cadre Status within Families: Evidence from China

Abstract

We thoroughly investigate the spillover effect of individuals' cadre status on socioeconomic outcomes of their biological family members over time using data from the Chinese Adult Twins Survey. A wide spectrum of family ties is analyzed within families. The estimates indicate that cadres' children persistently gain premiums on socioeconomic outcomes, and such premiums are independent of parental living status; the earnings premium enjoyed by cadres' children presents an inverted U-shaped evolution pattern; the earnings/income premium from cadre parents-in-law depends on parents-in-law’s living status and can be obtained only after marriage; sons rather than daughters of cadres continuously receive parental benefits, especially after marriage; cadres' biological siblings have superior socioeconomic status.

Keywords: Cadre Status, Intergenerational Transmissions, Sibling Effect, China