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The origins of reference groups

delete2026-07-22
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OA
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M
Martí­n Leites
C
Camila Paleo
X
Xavier Ramos *
G
Gonzalo Salas
DOI:10.1007/s10888-026-09742-8delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Do individuals choose their reference groups, i.e. their Joneses, or are they culturally transmitted across generations and through the social environment? We provide evidence that feeds the theoretical debate about the origins of reference groups. Our findings for Uruguay suggest that reference groups are largely transmitted across generations and are also shaped by the social environment where individuals live. Our results are robust to several checks and to endogeneity issues. Our analysis of mechanisms shows that transmission is strongest when parents are homogeneous and when the gender of the parent and the offspring is the same.
Keywords:
Intergenerational transmission
Reference group
Income comparisons
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Journal

Journal of Economic Inequality cover
Journal of Economic Inequality
IF:
2.4
Papers:
645
Citations:
1.3K

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U
Universidad de la República
Scholars:
114
Papers: 48
Citations: 0
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