Succeeding generations: on the effects of investments in children

This study examines the status of children in the United States. It uses data up to 1988 from the Michigan Panel Study of Income Dynamics an ongoing longitudinal survey of 1700 children. The emphasis is on the deteriorating status of Americas children and on the causes of this decline. The authors first examine the factors affecting the chances that children will be economically successful. They then introduce their research in the context of previous studies on the determinants of childrens success. Next they attempt to sort out some of the relationships among the various possible investments in children. The next few chapters look at the determinants of educational attainment nonmarital births and welfare recipiency and economic inactivity. A final chapter summarizes the findings of this research and discusses policy implications.