Why So Many Children of Doctors Become Doctors: Nepotism vs. Human Capital Transfers

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Human Resources
Year: 1989
Volume: 24
Issue: 3

Authors (2)

Bernard F. Lentz (not in RePEc) David N. Laband (Auburn University)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In this paper we document a statistically significant, marginally greater probability of admittance into (at least one) medical school for children of doctors as compared to children of non-doctors. This fact can plausibly be explained as resulting from nepotism, in various forms, as well as from human capital transfers from first to (would-be) second generation doctors. After controlling for acquired human capital and other attributes of medical school applicants, we cannot reject nepotism as a cause-children of doctors are nearly 14 percent more likely to be admitted into medical school than are comparable nonfollowers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:uwp:jhriss:v:24:y:1989:i:3:p:396-413
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25