About the project

This study examines the factors that influence children’s cognitive development, particularly focusing on the intergenerational transmission of human capital from mothers to children. It finds that children of lower-educated mothers can break the cycle of disadvantage and develop strong cognitive skills if their mother is practices balanced parenting, avoiding “over-parenting.” In contrast, children’s chances of overcoming disadvantage are reduced if they are born to sole-parent mothers living in socio-economically deprived areas, with hostile or inconsistent parenting practices.

The study emphasizes that public policy should aim to improve educational attainment among young people before they have children and promote practices that support cognitive development. This includes encouraging reading to children, ensuring folic acid intake during pregnancy, limiting screen time, and fostering positive, non-punitive parenting. The study also suggests that further research should explore how Asian mothers in New Zealand successfully promote their children's cognitive skills, as this group appears to have unique strengths in supporting child development. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to support parents, especially those in disadvantaged situations, to improve children’s cognitive outcomes and break cycles of disadvantage.

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Suggested citation

Iusitini, L., Plum, A.,Pacheco, G., Copeland, V., & Timmins, J. (2024).Intergenerational transmission of human capital: what makes and breaks the cycle of advantage and disadvantage?. New Zealand Policy Research Institute, Auckland.

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